In the United States, obesity among adults has risen dramatically over the past 20 years. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 30 percent of adults in the United States are obese, and the percentage of overweight children has tripled since 1980.
An adult who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25–29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30-40 is considered obese. A BMI of 40 or higher is considered morbidly obese.
According to the US Surgeon General, there is a direct correlation between being overweight or obese and a person's risk of:
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Kidney and gallbladder disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Certain types of cancer
Additionally, being overweight or obese can damage a person's self-esteem and career prospects because of prejudices that can exist against people who are overweight and obese.
The Weight to Go program offers solutions to an obese lifestyle, including bariatric surgery, nutrition and fitness counseling, psychological and behavioral support.
