Obesity is More Than Just a Weight Problem

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

I often talk about the health problems associated with obesity but one of the key problems about reports on obesity is that very few of us consider ourselves as obese.

Let’s face it. The term obese is one of those words that conjures up dramatic images. The truth is that the word obese is one which means different things to different people. It is better to talk about easier ways to measure your weight like being ten percent over ideal body weight. That is ten pounds more for every hundred pounds.

The reason we worry about obesity and weight loss is that a wide variety of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and even certain forms of cancer can be linked to poor diet and being overweight.

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KYW Podcasts

Medical Reports - Week of 11/23/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough gives his weekly dose of health information. (3:15)

Medical Reports - Week of 11/16/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough gives his weekly dose of health information. (3:52)

Medical Reports - Week of 11/9/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough gives his weekly dose of health information. (3:15)

Medical Reports - Week of 11/2/09
KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough talks about exercise that makes sense, fast food leading to diabetes, should smokers exercise, self mutilation and the difference between sinus and migraine headaches. (3:53)