Understanding Overweight and Obesity
Overweight and obesity are categorized using a measure called the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated using height and weight. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is generally classified as overweight, while BMI of 30 or higher is considered indicative of obesity.
It is important to note that the BMI measurement has limitations as it doesn't differentiate between muscle and fat, which can lead to inaccuracies in assessing body composition, especially in athletes with higher muscle mass. Additionally, BMI doesn't account for the distribution of fat in the body, which can be a crucial factor in health risk assessment.
Obesity is a complex health condition influenced by multiple factors. Addressing it effectively involves a personalized and comprehensive approach tailored to each individual, recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
The good news is there are many steps you can take to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of metabolic complications! Your Care Team will work with you on this journey to identify personalized interventions that will put you on a path to improved metabolic health. Areas you will explore include:
Nutrition
Small improvements in nutrition can go a long way! Your dietician will work with you to identify high impact changes you can make to your diet without unnecessary restriction.
Exercise
When it comes to metabolic health, exercise is essential. Your Care Team will work with you to help you find ways to incorporate movement into your everyday life in a sustainable way.
Reducing Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Minimizing exposure to harmful environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals is also important for metabolic health. Your Care Team will help you identify potential chemicals and pollutants in your surroundings and take steps to reduce your exposure where possible.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can exacerbate metabolic dysfunction. Learning stress management techniques like meditation, mindfulness or deep breathing, can benefit your mental well-being as well as your metabolic health.
Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Your Care Team will guide you towards 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to support your body's metabolic processes.
Your Gut Microbiome
Emerging research suggests that the health of your gut bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, may influence your weight. Your Care Team will explore strategies to promote a balanced and healthy gut microbiome as part of your personalized plan.