Obesity & Weight Loss

Obesity and Weight Loss

Obesity is a complex health condition defined by excess body fat. It is most often measured using body mass index (BMI)—a calculation based on height and weight—as well as waist circumference.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered to have obesity. Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight.

Obesity increases the risk of developing conditions including:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Certain cancers (such as breast and colon)
Joint problems and sleep apnea

Who Is at Risk?

Several risk factors contribute to obesity, including:

Genetics and family history
Low levels of physical activity
High-calorie diet patterns
Certain medications
Hormonal changes (like during menopause)

Understanding your personal risk can help you prevent or manage obesity.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Obesity & Weight Loss

For people with obesity, even modest weight loss—as little as 5–10% of total body weight—can meaningfully reduce health risks. That’s why addressing weight gain early is so important. At UR Medicine, we offer specialized treatment plans to help you lose weight and maintain your weight loss goals.

What To Expect

Comprehensive Evaluation

A physical exam which will measure your height and weight, BMI, and waist circumference
Potentially blood tests to help identify conditions such as diabetes
An assessment of your medical history, including metabolic risk factors and chronic conditions
Lifestyle evaluation to examine your physical activity habits, diet, sleep, stress, and current medications

Individualized Goals

With your provider, you will set realistic, measurable targets (for example, losing 5% of your starting weight)
The goals will include sustainable changes to reduce excess body fat

Personalized Treatment Plan

Lifestyle management—guidance on healthy eating and increasing physical activity
- Lifestyle Medicine at Highland Hospital: Programs to help make simple, everyday changes to improve physical and mental health.
- Lose Weight Program at Center for Community Health & Prevention (CCHP): Nutrition counseling from a certified dietitian, a weight-loss group program with guidance from an expert, and a Diabetes Prevention Program that combines nutrition, weight loss, and exercise counseling.
Behavioral support—coaching to build healthy habits and resilience
Medical treatment—use of weight-loss medications such as Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, Naltrexone/Bupropion and Phentermine/Topiramate, when appropriate
Bariatric surgery—considered for those who do not achieve sufficient weight loss through other means
Weight loss balloon or intragastric balloon surgery—non-invasive procedure that inserts a soft yet durable balloon into the stomach

Ongoing Follow-Up

Regular check-ins to track progress
Support to maintain weight loss and adjust strategies as needed

Bariatric Surgery: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

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What Sets Us Apart?

At UR Medicine, we offer everything you need for successful weight loss, from consultation to education, counseling, support, and medical and surgical therapies.

Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, certified dietitians, educators and physical therapists offers personalized support for people with obesity. Your provider will work closely with specialists in sleep medicine, endocrinology, mental health, gastroenterology, and bariatric surgery to help you lead a healthier life.

As an academic medical center, UR Medicine offers the most up-to-date, comprehensive care that is rooted in the latest research.