Myths
Obesity is NOT a rare disease. Approximately how much of the U.S. population is obese?
Nearly half
What is the BMI range for an adult classified as obese?
30.0 or higher
How much more money does an obese person spend yearly on healthcare compared to an average person?
$1,861
What is the leading cause of death among people who are obese?
Heart disease
What is the purpose of treating obesity?
To reach and maintain a healthy weight
Why can't you blame genetics entirely for being obese?
There are multiple complicating factors
What lifestyle habit is most closely linked to the development of obesity?
Sedentary lifestyle
What is the average cost of bariatric surgery (before insurance)?
$7,000-$33,000
Which type of cancer is NOT caused by obesity? Breast, colorectal, lung, liver, or pancreatic
Lung
What kind of health professionals typically work to treat obesity?
Dietitians, behavioral counselors, obesity specialists
Instead of obesity being just a result of poor lifestyle choices, how is obesity actually classified?
A complex and chronic disease
What hormone linked to chronic stress can play a role in developing obesity?
Cortisol
Approximately how much does obesity cost the U.S. in healthcare annually?
Around $173 billion
Osteoarthritis
What two lifestyle changes are considered foundational in the management of obesity?
Diet and exercise
Overeating doesn't cause obesity but obesity causes what?
Overeating
What kind of foods that are high in fats, added sugars, and sodium are a primary factor in developing obesity?
Processed foods
On average, how much does weight loss medication cost an individual per month?
$1,000-$1,400
By approximately how much can an obese individual's lifespan be reduced by as a result of obesity?
Up to 13.7 years
What is the name of the FDA-approved injectable medication that serves as an anti-obesity medication for long-term weight management?
Semaglutide (ex: Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound)
What kind of diets are commonly mislabeled as the best way to reduce body fat for an obese individual, rather than adopting healthy fat diets?
Low-fat diets
This less common factor contributing to obesity can occur during the treatment of other health conditions where weight gain is a side effect.
What is the annual nationwide productivity loss (in dollars cost) of obesity-related absences in the workplace?
$3.3-$6.3 billion
Which health risk of obesity is NOT a major factor in developing heart disease? Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, or blood clots
Osteoporosis
What category of surgery do procedures like gastric bypass/sleeve fall under that are performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss?
Bariatric surgery