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Obesity Specialist

Metro Renal Associates Our Services Obesity

Metro Renal Associates

Nephrologists located in Washington, DC & Capitol Heights, MD

As of 2014, upwards of 78 million adults and over 12 million children in the United States were medically obese, which is a serious concern as obesity can complicate or lead to a range of serious medical conditions. The team at Metro Renal Associates in Washington, DC, takes a careful look at whether obesity is contributing to, or in part caused by, your medical conditions and can help you on a path to better health. To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Obesity Q & A

What is obesity?

Obesity is the medical term for when your body contains an excessive amount of fat. The team at Metro Renal Associates makes this determination based on your body mass index (BMI). A BMI index of 25.0 or greater is considered medically obese.

 

What causes obesity?

Despite the common belief that the number one cause of obesity is a poor diet, obesity is a complex condition that can result from a variety of different factors, many of which affect people differently.

There are a few common risk factors that seem to contribute to obesity:

Lifestyle

In order to keep your weight in check, your body needs to burn calories. If you have a relatively inactive lifestyle, you won’t burn as many calories as needed to maintain a healthy weight.

Unhealthy diet

The counterpart to inactivity, poor eating habits can pile on the calories without providing essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

Certain medical conditions

Some medical conditions can directly or indirectly lead to obesity. Cushing’s syndrome, for example, can directly lead to fatty buildup, while conditions such as arthritis can make it difficult to get exercise.

Genetics

Certain people tend to store more body fat than others, so if several people in your family also carry more body weight, you might naturally do the same. Genetics can also play a role in how well your body converts food into energy and how well you can burn calories.

Certain medications

Some medications can cause your body to add weight. Some examples include certain antidepressants, diabetes medications, or steroids.

 

What are the complications of obesity?

While obesity can impact your quality of life depending on the activities you enjoy, the more pressing concerns are the medical complications that might occur. Obesity can increase your risk for many dangerous conditions, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Breathing disorders
  • Gallbladder disease

 

The types of complications you might be at risk for depends on several factors, so it’s important to receive regular medical evaluations if you’re obese. The team at Metro Renal Associates can also perform an evaluation if you have any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your weight gain.

Call Metro Renal Associates or use online booking to schedule your appointment today.

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