Obesity Statistics
Over 40 percent of adult Americans are obese. Being overweight has been linked to systemic health problems, ranging from osteoarthritis to coronary artery disease. If you are obese, bariatric surgery can significantly reduce your weight to set you on a path for improved physical, and emotional, health.
Our bariatric surgeons offer lasting hope and help for obese patients at Oasis of Hope Bariatrics in Tijuana, Mexico. Just 10 miles from the U.S. border, Oasis of Hope Bariatrics offers San Diego Airport-to-campus transportation and luxurious accommodations for you to begin your weight loss journey.
Obesity statistics are sobering. They prove that this common health condition should be taken seriously.
Obesity Defined
If you are obese, your body fat and body fat distribution are considered unhealthy. Obesity is most commonly measured using body mass index (BMI).
BMI is measured by dividing your weight by your height multiplied twice. Multiply that number by 703. For adults over the age of 20, a BMI of 30-39 indicates obesity. If your BMI is 40 or higher, you are considered severely obese.
Obesity Adversely Affects the Rest of Your Health
If you are obese, you have a higher risk of developing diseases that may shorten your life. These diseases include:
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Obesity Leads to Poorer COVID-19 Outcomes
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that the severity of illness from COVID-19 was directly linked to weight. COVID patients who are obese are hospitalized three times as often as COVID patients who are not obese.
Obesity weakens the immune system and decreases lung function, which makes ventilation more difficult. Obese people under 65 years of age who contract COVID are more likely to die from it while in the hospital.
Obesity Causes Higher Medical Bills
If you are obese, your medical bills are probably higher than normal because of the other health conditions obesity causes. A study conducted in 2016 shows that obesity raised annual medical costs in America by $149 billion. Those costs are much higher in 2021.
Obesity Leads to Much Higher Non-Medical Costs
Medical expenses are a direct cost of obesity. However, non-medical (indirect) costs associated with obesity are very high as well. They include:
- Time missed from school or work
- Increased transportation costs
- Lowered productivity
- Premature mortality
Obesity in Younger People Makes Them Ineligible for Military Service
Twenty-five percent of young adults who want to join the military are disqualified due to obesity. However, obesity rates have risen sharply among active and reserve military members in the last 10 years.
This translates to higher medical costs and more time lost at work. The Department of Defense is spending over $1 billion annually for obesity-related issues.
Conquer Obesity with Bariatric Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico
If you are obese, help is available. At Oasis of Hope Bariatrics, our bariatric surgeon provides a variety of surgical procedures to aid in weight loss goals. Even after you return home from our facility, your progress will be followed and supported by our team. Call us today at (619) 690-8417 to schedule your consultation, and learn how to achieve a new and healthier you.
