What Is Obesity?
 

Obesity is a chronic medical condition in which excess body fat increases the risk of developing other health problems. In adults it is typically diagnosed by a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. BMI is calculated using a patient's weight and height. In children and teens ages 2-19, obesity is diagnosed as at or above the 95th percentile using age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles on the CDC growth charts. For children under age 2, weight-for-length is assessed using WHO growth standards. A weight-for-length above approximately the 98th percentile is considered high weight-for-length; BMI-based obesity categories are not routinely used in this age group.

What Causes Obesity?
 

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic and biological susceptibility interacting with other factors including:
 

• Diet 

• Physical activity

• Sleep

• Stress

• Environmental and socioeconomic factors

Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause or contribute to excessive weight gain, including:
 

• Medications: certain psychiatric medications, corticosteroids, depot medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera), sulfonylureas, insulin, and thiazolidinediones

• Medical Conditions: Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, hypothalamic disorders, PCOS/PMOS, and certain rare genetic disorders

Why Is Maintaining a Healthy Weight Important?
 

Excess weight increases the risk of:
 

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Sleep apnea

• Fatty liver disease

• Osteoarthritis

• Certain cancers

• Hormonal Imbalances
   

Treatments
 

• Lifestyle changes

• Medications - many of the GLPs have additional indications that can benefit other related conditions

• Addressing secondary causes

                                                                           Medications
 

GLP-1 receptor agonists - injectable, orals- Semaglutide (Wegovy), Orforglipron (Foundayo)
 

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists - Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
 

Sympathomimetic stimulant appetite suppressants (Phentermine)
 

Sympathomimetic/Anticonvulsant combination - Phentermine/Topiramate  (Qsymia)
 

Opioid antagonist/NDRI combination - Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
 

Pancreatic lipase inhibitors - Orlistat
 

MC4 receptor agonists - Setmelanotide - for rare genetic conditions or acquired hypothalamic obesity

How Loria Mobile Medicine Can Help
 

I provide assessment, diagnosis, and management of obesity and its secondary causes. I excel in medication management and lifestyle counseling to help you achieve your desired weight and improve your health. I provide a thorough review of the different medications, their benefits, their costs and coverage, their side effects, their administration, and their efficacy.

 

                                                                                References & Guidelines
 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adult BMI Categories; Child and Teen BMI Categories; Growth Chart Training.

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prescribing information and approved indications for weight-management medications.

• American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Clinical Practice Guideline on Pharmacological Interventions for Adults With Obesity.