GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been a hot topic for the past couple of years. While the national focus on weight loss can be positive, it’s equally important to understand the health risks associated with obesity — such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.
“Being overweight or obese means there is a greater body mass index (BMI) than what is considered ‘normal,’ and therefore excess fat,” said Dr. Amy Somerset, a bariatric surgeon at the Detroit Medical Center.
BMI is a number that estimates how much fat is on the body, relative to height. A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight, while a BMI over 30 is classified as obese.
“Once you’re in the overweight category, health issues can develop,” Somerset explained.
Health issues linked to obesity
While heart disease, diabetes and prediabetes are the most common health concerns related to obesity, many other conditions can arise, including:
-
Joint pain
-
Sleep apnea
-
Sexual dysfunction
-
Infertility
-
High-risk pregnancies
-
High blood pressure
-
High cholesterol
-
Liver disease
“The liver actually holds fat, and that fat is dangerous and causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,” Somerset said.
She emphasized that obesity is a chronic disease that leads to far more health problems than many realize.
“There are multiple types of cancer associated with obesity. Being obese also significantly increases the risk of breast cancer.”
Obesity as a chronic disease
Somerset described obesity as a persistent condition.
“For anyone who has ever tried losing weight, you know how easy it is to gain it back. So, you don’t just lose weight and forget about it,” she said.
Obesity causes a chronic inflammatory state, meaning extra fat leads to extra inflammation in the body.
“It deserves treatment, just like any other disease,” she said.
Treatment options for obesity
Even if you feel healthy, a BMI in the obese range puts you at greater risk for many health conditions you might not be aware of.
“If you have a higher-than-normal BMI — 25 and higher — you and your physician should address this,” Somerset advised. “Especially if you have an obesity-related health condition, optimizing your weight is crucial.”
There are four main treatment options for obesity:
Lifestyle
A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for everyone, regardless of BMI.
Medication
GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic or Zepbound are popular but work best alongside a healthy lifestyle.
“They can help you achieve weight loss, but keep in mind, every medication has side effects and, in my experience, patients require these medications long term and regain weight if they stop them,” Somerset said.
Endoscopic procedure
Doctors insert a camera down the throat into the stomach, then place a balloon or sew the stomach internally to reduce its size.
Bariatric surgery
“This is the most durable treatment for obesity, especially in the severe obese or morbidly obese category,” Somerset said.
Because options vary widely, Somerset urges patients to discuss with their doctors which treatment is best for their individual needs.
To learn more about surgical and medical weight loss options, find a DMC physician by clicking or tapping here.