Obesity is a common disease that affects men and women of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Adult obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Carrying the extra weight can affect how the heart, joints, and other body parts function. By knowing what causes obesity, as outlined below, you can prepare to discuss weight loss surgery options to bring down your BMI with a doctor.

Why Adults Become Obese

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has reached 42.4 percent in recent years. A high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle typically cause obesity. That's because the body consumes a lot more calories than it burns through activity. A person's environment can contribute to this behavior, as they might not live in a community that offers amenities and services to promote a healthy, physically-active lifestyle. 

Some medical conditions can also cause the body to store extra pounds. Hypothyroidism, for example, causes the metabolism to slow down, which leads to weight gain. Someone with clinical depression might overeat as a way to cope with their emotions. Taking certain antidepressants and other prescription medications can affect how your body processes calories.  

How to Shed Excess Weight

For a lower BMI, a doctor will recommend changing your diet. Instead of consuming food loaded with sugar, saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol, stick with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and other foods low in calories and high in nutrients. Diet should be paired with 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.   

If you have a BMI of 35 or higher or a medical condition caused by obesity, a physician might recommend weight loss surgery. With a Lap Band™ procedure, a band is placed around the stomach to section it off into two pouches. Food goes into one pouch, which will make you feel full without eating a lot. During a gastric bypass, a surgeon connects the upper stomach to the lower section of the small intestine so the body takes in fewer calories.

To discuss which weight loss surgery is right for you, contact Sofiane El Djouzi, MD, FACS in Willowbrook, IL. The doctor will answer all of your questions, provide diet counseling, and take additional steps to help you prepare for the procedure. Learn about the process online, and call (773) 365-1300 for a consultation.