Obesity Evaluation and Management
A patient's obesity level is based on BMI or Body Mass Index. This index computes your height and weight to come up with a number that measures the amount of fat in the body. The goal here is to stay under 30.
What is Obesity?
Obesity occurs when excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected. One can become obese by a combination of excessive caloric intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility. Obesity, excessive body weight, is associated with various diseases such as: cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis as well as certain types of cancer.
Labs
Electrolyte Panel - consists of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Glucose (important as obesity and elevated glucose can suggest diabetes), Calcium, Kidney Function (BUN [Blood Urea Nitrogen] and Creatnine)
Lipid Panel - consists of Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good) Cholesterol, LDL (Bad) Cholesterol, Triglycerides
Will also check CBC (Complete Blood Count), Liver Functions, and Urinalysis
Prevention
The main prevention mechanism for obesity is diet and exercise. In extreme cases medication or surgery may be suggested.