Obesity Specialist in Fairfax, Vienna, or Tysons Corner

Obesity is a topic that affects millions yet is often misunderstood. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of tackling it or wondered what the buzz around BMI really means, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the facts, figures, and truths about this condition, so you can see why getting a handle on it now with an obesity specialist could change your life.

What Does It Mean to Be Obese?

Obesity is a medical condition that signifies excess body fat and exists on a spectrum based on your body mass index, or BMI. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you are considered obese.

Obesity isn’t all about the number on the scale. It’s also about how the number impacts your body, mind, and overall wellbeing.

More than four in 10 adults are considered obese in the United States, which is nearly half the population, so know that you’re not alone.

Genetics, sleep, stress, and even environmental toxins can contribute to obesity. It’s not just about willpower or self-control!

How Does an Obesity Specialist Calculate BMI?

BMI is a simple tool that compares your weight to your height to estimate body fat. It’s not perfect, but it’s a quick snapshot of where you stand.

Here’s how it’s calculated:

BMI = your weight (lbs) / [height (in)]² x 703

For example, if your weight is 210 pounds and your height is 70 inches, the formula becomes:

210 / [70²] x 703, or 210 / 4900 x 703

This calculates to 30.13 and would be considered obese.

It’s important to remember that BMI doesn’t tell the whole story. Muscle mass, bone density, and other factors can influence your number.

What Role Does Obesity Play in My Health?

Think of obesity as a domino that sets off a chain reaction throughout your body. While weight itself isn’t inherently bad, excess fat can affect nearly every system.

Being obese is linked to many different chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

It can:

Increase your risk for chronic conditions: Obesity is a major player in diseases like type II diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Addressing it can significantly reduce your risk.
Impact your mental health: Carrying extra weight often comes with emotional burdens like anxiety, depression, or social stigma, though certainly not always.
Make everyday activities more challenging: From walking up stairs to sleeping comfortably, obesity can affect how you move and feel daily.
Strain your joints and bones: Excess weight adds stress to your joints, which may lead to mobility issues over time.

Obesity is not a label but a signal that your body might be struggling. If you’ve noticed challenges like fatigue, difficulty with daily activities, or even emotional strain tied to weight, it could be time to seek treatment.

What Treatments Are Offered by an Obesity Specialist?

A specialist offering medical weight loss takes a personalized, multi-pronged approach to address your condition in a number of ways.

Obesity can alter your hormones, energy levels, and so many other things - even how you taste food! This makes it a holistic challenge rather than just a physical one.

Your treatment plan is likely to include a combination of these options:

Medications, which may include weight loss shots like semaglutide or tirzepatide, and supplement.
Nutrition counseling.
Integrative medicine.
Behavioral therapy and other mental health treatments.
CPET testing.

Where Can I Find the Top Obesity Specialist in Fairfax, Vienna, or Tysons Corner?

You’ll find the area’s top weight management experts here at Virginia Family Medicine. We take a multi-disciplinary approach, from medications to behavioral therapy and so much more!

If you’ve been putting off taking steps to manage your weight, consider this your sign to start today. With personalized medical support, evidence-based plans, and a compassionate team in your corner, a healthier weight is within reach.

Call us now at 703-383-4836 to start your path to a lighter and brighter future!