Obesity, a complex chronic disease that can be treated
Obesity is a complex chronic disease that may lead to serious physical, psychological and social problems. But this disease is treatable. As with any chronic disease, specific medical or surgical treatment and long-term follow-up are necessary.
Health professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to calculate the degree of obesity or overweight. It is the ratio between height in meters (squared) divided by weight. Learn more about BMI here.
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General information
Where does obesity come from?
The causes leading to obesity are multiple and complex. Obesity usually starts with an imbalance in energy balance. But it can also be caused by genetic predisposition, the environment and certain other diseases. So obesity is not just a problem of eating too much and/or not moving enough.
A multidisciplinary approach
At Clinic Saint-Jean’s Overweight and obesity clinic, medical, surgical, and paramedical team treats each patient’s overweight or obesity differently. The patient always takes centre stage. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we address both physical and psychological issues. The Obesity and Overweight Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to the management of obesity in its various stages, from nutritional follow-up to surgery and drug treatments.
Why is it important to treat obesity?
Since 1997, obesity has been recognized worldwide as a chronic disease. Being obese is not a choice, nor is it inevitable, and it is treatable. It can lead to the development of medical problems.
These complications due to excess weight lead to real health risks and reduce life expectancy:
- One of the leading causes of death in the world
- Risk factors for many cancers (liver, breast, esophagus, colon, etc.)
The cause of many diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, etc. - Gastroesophageal reflux, gout, etc.
- A cause of infertility and an impact on sexuality
- Sources of physical and psychological suffering (depression, lowered self-esteem, malaise, etc.)
Treating obesity today protects you from many future health problems.
