Obesity

Obesity Discharge Instructions, Adult

Obesity is a health problem where your weight is higher than it should be. Doctors use a method called body mass index or BMI to measure whether you are at a healthy weight for your height. The doctor uses your weight and your height to determine your BMI. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fat. Obesity is different from being overweight. Being overweight means your BMI is 25 or higher. Being obese means your BMI is 30 or higher. If your BMI is 40 or higher, you are considered severely or morbidly obese. Being obese may lead to many health problems. It may make it hard for you to breathe and move easily. It may raise your risk for illnesses like high blood sugar and heart disease.

Treat health problems that may cause weight gain,Lower your appetite,Help you lose weight

Talk to your doctor about the right amount of exercise for you. This is especially important if you have heart problems, other illnesses, or if you recently had surgery.,Start slowly by doing more everyday activities like yard work or household chores.,Choose activities that you like to do.

Whole grains are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Try to eat 3 to 5 servings of whole grain, high fiber foods each day. These are things like whole grain bread, bran cereals, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.,Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Try to pick many kinds and colors. This will help you get different nutrients in your diet. Choose fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. Buy plain, frozen fruits without added sugar. Buy plain, frozen vegetables without added salt and fat. Buy canned fruit in 100% juice or water. Avoid canned fruit in syrups. Buy canned vegetables with no salt added.,Milk is a good source of protein and some vitamins and minerals. Choose low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk. Eat nonfat or low-fat cheeses, ice creams, yogurt, and other dairy products.,Meats and beans are good sources of protein and iron. Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken without the skin, turkey without the skin, and fish. Eggs and peanut butter are good sources of protein as well. Dried peas, beans, and lentils are also good and contain fiber. Fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout, are good to eat and have healthy omega-3 fats.,Good fats can give you long-term energy. These are found in fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Try using olive oil, safflower oil, and low-sodium, low-fat salad dressing as a topping on foods. Use canola, olive, or peanut oil for cooking. Other healthy oils include corn, sunflower, and soybean oils.,Limit sweets such as candy and sugary drinks. Also avoid diet sodas and too much artificial sweeteners. Try to drink water instead.,Cut back on solid fats, like butter, lard, and coconut oil.,Limit fatty foods such as desserts, fried foods, and chips.,Trans fats should be avoided. Most trans fats are found in processed foods, commercially baked goods, and fried foods and are very unhealthy. Saturated fat, which is different from trans fat, should be watched and limited if portions are too large. Saturated fat is found mainly in animal sources, such as meat and dairy products. Saturated fat is also found in coconut and palm oils.,Limit processed meats and most processed foods.,Limit eating out. If you choose to visit a restaurant, ask for the nutritional facts. You may also be able to find nutritional facts online. Then, you can make a plan and choose healthy items. Watch the portion size. Have large portions split and take part home for some other meal.

Low mood or self-esteem,Anxiety,Muscle pain, joint pain, or arthritis,Sleep apnea,Diabetes,High blood pressure,High cholesterol,Heart, lung, or breathing problems,Kidney or liver problems,Cancer,Gallstones,Increased sweating,Reduced fertility,Pregnancy complications,Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Signs of heart attack: Chest pain Trouble breathing Fast heartbeat Feeling dizzy,Chest pain,Trouble breathing,Fast heartbeat,Feeling dizzy,Signs of stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause,Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body,Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding,Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes,Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination,Sudden severe headache with no known cause,Signs of high or low blood sugar,Thoughts of hurting yourself

Ambulatory Care,Endocrine and Metabolic

Adiposis,Adiposity,Adult Obesity,Bariatric Care,Bariatrics,BMI,Body Mass Index,Fat,High BMI,Morbid Obesity,Overweight,Weight Gain,Weight Loss,Weight Reduction

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.