The Chase Wellness & Research Center, Inc.
Fore-runners in Bariatric Medicine and Research

Defining Weight Problems

Since 1995, obesity has been recognized by the medical community as a chronic disease. At this time, about one third of American adults are obese. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. It has been identified as a major risk factor in the development of:

Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Heart disease
Certain forms of cancer
Sleep apnea
Osteoarthritis
Infertility
Poor bladder control

The emotional consequences of obesity is also devastating for many people. Now, more than ever, weight management is essential to overall wellness. The Chase Wellness Center focuses on weight as an important determining factor in many serious, but avoidable illnesses.

Because no weight loss plan is effective for everyone, we offer individualized weight loss programs and exceptional medical care to support our patients.

Defining Overweight and Obesity

Recent studies indicate that as much as 61% of American adults are either overweight or obese, having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.

BMI is a mathematical formula for measuring the ratio of an individual's body weight to his or her height. It represents a person's body weight in kilograms, divided by the square of his or her height in meters. The BMI is more highly correlated with body fat than any other indicator of height and weight.

The word "overweight" refers to an excess body weight in relation to height, compared to a standard "ideal" weight, consistent with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

Obesity is characterized by an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass. The amount of fat on the body, the actual distribution of fat throughout the body and the size of fat deposits can cause additional medical concern. Body fat distribution can be measured by skinfold tests, waist-to-hip circumference ratios, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Adults with a BMI of 25 or more are considered at risk for premature death and disability as a consequence of overweight and obesity. These health risks increase even more as the person's weight increases.

NOTE: Overweight may also be due to an increase in lean muscle. For example, professional athletes may be very lean and muscular, with very little body fat, yet they may weigh more than others of the same height. While they may qualify as "overweight" due to their large muscle mass, they are not necessarily "over fat," regardless of BMI.