What is Obesity?

Obesity is a rapidly escalating epidemic throughout the world. Especially in the United States, there has been an alarming increase in both genders, and in all ethnic, socioeconomic and age groups. Most experts agree that obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. A BMI of 27-30 places a person in the overweight category. What is my BMI?

Statistics on obesity?

According to the National Institute of Health the details on the number of U.S. adults that are obese is truly alarming. Studies show that nearly 25% of U.S. adults are obese and over 50% are overweight. Within this

• 65.8% of black women are overweight or obese
• 65.9% of Hispanic women are overweight or obese
• 61.0% of white men are overweight or obese.

Diseases Associated with Obesity

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Cancer (uterine, breast, colorectal, gallbladder, kidney)
• Osteoarthritis
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Heart Disease
• Blood clots (phlebitis)
• General anesthetic risk
• Stroke
• Infertility
• Complications of pregnancy
• Menstrual irregularities
• Gall bladder disease
• Bladder problems (stress incontinence)
• Respiratory problems
• Depression

The Costs of Obesity

The costs of obesity are immense. Psychologically, it is well documented that obesity seriously impairs patients from reaching personal and professional goals. They often have serious problems with self-esteem. The economic costs are staggering.

• U.S. medical costs for obesity exceed $100 billion per year.
• U.S. medical costs for obesity exceed 6% of the our total health expenditure.
• These medical costs are comparable to those of smoking.
• Prescriptions for obesity problems can often exceed $400-500 a month, over $5000 per year.

Childhood Obesity Epidemic

According to the National Institute of Health, the number of children who are overweight in the United States has doubled during the past three decades. Currently one child in five is overweight.

Dr. Rigden’s Philosophy

Dr. Rigden believes that even the most severe cases of obesity can be helped. Dr. Rigden is your partner in assisting your battle to get your weight under control. He will never give up on you. Dr. Rigden stresses the “6 P’s” of successful weight management:

• Patience
• Persistence
• Planning
• Positive Attitude
• Perspiration
• Professional Assistance

Am I Obese? Should I be concerned about my weight.

A quick way to assess your weight concerns is to find your BMI.