MAIN Health Obesity

Obesity affects nearly one-third of the adult population in America, as it also grows to epidemic proportions in most countries throughout the industrialized world.

While experts continue to debate its classification as a disease, obesity nevertheless remains one of the most prevalent and preventable conditions linked to a number of other serious or life-threatening diseases in both adults and in childhood diabetes.

As the body strains against excess weight & excess fat, studies also increasingly show a direct link between obesity and high cholesterol, heart disease, endometrial cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Along with information on the associated risks, better education on proper diet and nutrition is key to understanding and avoiding obesity. Self-care is important factor, since most insurance companies do not, unfortunately, provide extensive coverage for the condition and often limit access to proper treatment.

Increased exercise and physical activity, and a balanced diet low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is usually prescribed as the first course of action, along with help from your doctor who can prescribe drugs proven to safely help curb appetite - most commonly phentermine and sibutramine.

Learn more about the health risks of obesity at expert sites that clearly explain the growing relationship between obesity and disease, along with helpful tips on diet and exercise, how to determine your body mass index (BMI) for optimal health, plus related news, patient support resources and personal stories from those who have won the battle against obesity ...

Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight? - Excellent introduction to the topic and reasons why various diseases are linked to being obese or overweight - including how the condition relates to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, liver & gallbladder disease, plus helpful links to feature articles, related fact sheets & other resources.

Working with Your Doctor to Overcome Overweight and Obesity - What to expect at the doctor's office when seeking treatment, with a sample of a typical nutrition history form, interactive body mass index (BMI) calculator, a guide to metabollic syndrome treatment, and helpful self-care tips.

American Obesity Association - U.S. clearinghouse for obesity news & information with special focus on childhood obesity, morbid obesity, disability & health insurance benefits, patient advocacy & support, personal stories, related facts & statistics.

Overweight & Obesity - Extensive overview from the Centers of Disease Control with facts & information on obesity trends, drug and other treatments, health & economic consequences, FAQ, related resources.

Obesity News - The latest headlines from various sources around the Web on obesity and childhood obesity, with related stories on its economic impact, related risks & diseases and current research studies, from MedlinePlus.

also see in Health -> Arthritis | Calorie Counters | Diabetes

Dieting | Gallbladder Diet | Heart Disease | Liver Diseases

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.