Extreme overweight conditions are unhealthy.  If you are overweight and are telling yourself that it is alright to carry around so much excess weight you are denying the truth about how unhealthy it is to be overweight.  Obesity is defined in medical terms as someone who is 20% above their ideal weight.  The standard for ideal weight has been recently updated and an ideal weight chart can be found in the links below.  Today, there are over 40 million Americans who are obese and who are jeopardizing their health because of these extra pounds.  Obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes among other illnesses.

What to do first

• If you are obese or even overweight take steps today to gain control over this problem.  Your quality of life is at stake.  For the sake of your health and for your loved ones it is essential to take action now.

• Losing weight is a simple formula.  You must take in less calories that you use.  If you are overweight you know that your are currently taking in more calories that you can use given your current state of activity.  There are a few immediate steps you can take to deal with this.

• See your doctor immediately and ask him to place you on an diet and exercise program.  Many obese people say that they have been on every diet program and all have failed.  This is very common among very overweight individuals whose need to eat is overwhelming. 

• Seek the help of a twelve-step group such as Overeater's Anonymous where you can find a supportive environment to help with your eating addiction.

• See the help of an addiction counselor who can provide assistance with the emotional struggles that are part of the overeating cycle.

What to do next

• If you are not able to gain control over your eating addiction through diet and exercise you many need to consult a surgeon and consider a surgical resolution.  This should only be the last resort after all else has failed.  All surgical procedures should be considered risky and have side effects.

• There are several types of surgical procedures including gastric bypass surgery which reduces the functional portion of your stomach to a small pouch so that you feel full sooner.  This surgery also includes creating a small opening between the stomach and the intestine which helps make the feeling of fullness last longer.