Obesity: Understanding the Condition

Obesity Doctor in NYC

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that presents a risk to an individual’s health. It is more than just a cosmetic concern—it is a complex disease that increases the risk of several serious health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Obesity is typically defined using body mass index (BMI), which is a calculation based on height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. However, BMI alone doesn’t capture the full picture, as factors like muscle mass, distribution of body fat, and overall health are also important.

At Park Avenue Endocrinology, we understand the complexities of obesity and are committed to helping individuals achieve a healthier weight through personalized, compassionate care. Our obesity doctors are experienced in creating tailored treatment plans to address both the medical and lifestyle factors that contribute to obesity.

Alongside our specialized doctors, Jordana Turkel, RD, plays a pivotal role in helping our patients achieve their health goals. As a certified expert in weight management, Jordana provides tailored nutritional guidance backed by the latest evidence-based practices. Her compassionate approach and deep expertise ensure that each patient receives personalized care designed to support long-term success.

BOOK WITH JORDANA TURKEL, RD, CDCES

Causes of Obesity: Understanding the Factors

Obesity is a multifactorial condition, meaning it can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these contributing factors is key to managing the condition effectively. Some common causes of obesity include:

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in determining an individual’s predisposition to weight gain. If obesity runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop the condition due to inherited traits that affect metabolism and how your body stores fat.

Lifestyle Choices

Diet and physical activity are major contributors to obesity. A diet high in calories, processed foods, and sugary beverages can lead to weight gain, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of regular exercise means the body is not burning enough calories, which leads to fat accumulation.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can contribute to weight gain, including:

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can slow down metabolism and lead to weight gain.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalances in PCOS can make it more difficult to lose weight.
Cushing’s Syndrome: This condition results in high levels of cortisol, a hormone that can promote weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

Medications

Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and steroids, can cause weight gain as a side effect. If you’ve noticed weight gain after starting a new medication, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about possible alternatives.

Environmental Factors

Modern environments, especially in urban settings, often promote weight gain. Easy access to high-calorie foods, lack of spaces for physical activity, and a busy lifestyle that prioritizes convenience can all contribute to the development of obesity.

Emotional Factors

For some people, emotions play a role in eating habits. Stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to emotional eating, which often involves overeating unhealthy foods. This behavior, over time, can result in significant weight gain.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing a variety of serious health conditions. Some of the most common health risks associated with obesity include:

Reducing body weight, even by a small percentage, can significantly lower the risk of these conditions and improve overall health and quality of life.

Obesity Treatment: Medical and Lifestyle Interventions

Treating obesity involves a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. At Park Avenue Endocrinology, our obesity doctors take a personalized approach to help each patient achieve sustainable weight loss and better health.

Lifestyle Modifications

One of the first steps in managing obesity is making lifestyle changes that promote a healthier weight. These modifications typically include:

Dietary Changes: A healthy diet focuses on whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-calorie snacks is essential for weight loss. Many individuals benefit from working with a dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that fits their preferences and goals.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a critical component of any weight-loss plan. For most people, a combination of aerobic exercises (like walking or swimming) and strength training is ideal. Even moderate physical activity, when done consistently, can contribute to weight loss and improve cardiovascular health.
Behavioral Therapy: Addressing emotional and psychological factors is often necessary to achieve long-term weight loss. Behavioral therapy can help individuals identify triggers for overeating and develop healthier coping strategies.

Medications for Obesity

In addition to lifestyle changes, certain medications may be prescribed to help manage obesity. These medications work in different ways, such as suppressing appetite or reducing the absorption of fat. Medications are generally used in combination with diet and exercise, and they are most effective when tailored to an individual’s specific needs.

Some common medications for obesity include:

Phentermine: A short-term appetite suppressant.
Orlistat: A medication that reduces fat absorption in the intestines.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These medications help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, making them a good option for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Your obesity doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your medical history and weight-loss goals.

Can’t I Seek Out Plastic Surgery Instead?

Plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction and abdominoplasty or other body lift techniques can restore shape after significant weight loss. No plastic surgery procedures are intended to correct obesity.

The procedure used to sculpt the body by removing fat cells, liposuction, has limitations in the quantity of fat that can be reduced. These limitations restrict the procedure from resulting in noticeable weight loss.

The Role of an Obesity Doctor

An obesity doctor, also known as a bariatric physician, is a healthcare professional who specializes in the treatment of obesity and related conditions. These doctors are experts in understanding the complex causes of obesity and can provide personalized treatment plans that address both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

At Park Avenue Endocrinology, our obesity doctors work closely with patients to:

Assess overall health and identify underlying factors contributing to weight gain.
Develop individualized treatment plans that include dietary advice, exercise recommendations, and, when appropriate, medications.
Provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure sustained weight loss and long-term health improvements.
Address any complications related to obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or joint pain.

Having the guidance of an experienced obesity doctor can make a significant difference in achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.

What People Say About Us!

"As I have said many times before, Dr. Eytan is brilliant. She’s smart, knowledgeable. She has helped me lose weight and more importantly, my health markers are all now normal or vastly improved. She warm & caring and discusses all options with you for treatment. I highly recommend her."

- LISA C.

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