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Obesity is a prevalent, complex progressive and relapsing chronic disease, characterized by abnormal or excessive body fat (adiposity), that impairs health.
Causes of obesity
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Genetics
Genetic and epigenetic variations contribute to obesity by influencing the function of metabolic pathways in the body and regulating neural pathways and appetite centers
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Nutrition
Reducing the number of calories consumed by 500 to 1,000 calories a day may be expected to result in a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week, which is a healthy rate of weight loss. This should be approved by your physician
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Hormones
Certain hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and certain eating disorders are linked to developing obesity
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Medications
Many drugs used to treat common disorders promote weight gain such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, antihypertensives - among others
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Environment
Access to affordable healthy food varies by ethnic, racial and socioeconomic factors
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Current studies show that obesity decreases the lifespan by up to 8 years and is associated with
at least
236 other medical problems including
13 types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea,
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression.
The three pillars of Obesity Medicine management that support nutrition and activity
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Psychological Intervention
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Pharmacotherapy
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