Obesity

About 66% of American adults are overweight, and 33% of them are obese. At Botany Wellness, obesity medicine expert Jennifer Ukwu, MD, provides care focusing on obesity as a treatable disease. Dr. Ukwu supports you with a weight loss therapy program that addresses the root causes of your obesity and helps you make lifelong changes that can lead to weight loss and improvements in chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Call the Pearland, Texas, office or book your appointment using online scheduling now.

When does being overweight turn into being obese (obesity)?

The difference between overweight and obesity is a matter of body mass index (BMI). Your BMI combines your height and weight to determine how much body fat you have. This is expressed as a single number. 

A normal BMI is 18.5-24.9, an overweight BMI is 25-29.9, a BMI of 30-39 is classified as obesity, and a BMI of 40 or higher is extreme obesity. 

How does obesity affect health?

Both overweight and obese people are at risk for health problems such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Some types of cancer
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

The higher your BMI, the higher your risk. Studies show that extreme obesity can reduce your lifespan by up to 14 years. 

In addition to the severe medical issues that obesity can cause, it also affects your day-to-day activities. When you struggle with your weight, you may develop mobility issues and not be able to participate in the physical activities you’d like. 

In addition, some studies show that people with obesity have a higher risk of mental health struggles. One study showed people with obesity have a 55% higher risk of depression than non-obese individuals.

Can I overcome obesity?

Yes, you can overcome obesity — but you need help to do it. Jennifer Ukwu, MD, is an elite obesity medicine specialist who uses a holistic approach. She treats obesity as a disease and works with you to determine the factors contributing to your weight difficulties. 

Dr. Ukwu helps you pursue healthy life changes in many ways, including: 

• Nutrition 
• New eating plan
• Education about your chronic diseases
• Exercise
• Dietary supplements

Botany Wellness provides long-term obesity management to help you reach your goals. Dr. Ukwu believes in you and is here to support you every step of the way as you lose weight and get healthy. 

Call the Botany Wellness office or click the online appointment request to learn more about obesity medicine now.