Obesity statistics show that excess weight is a common concern. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or above. BMI, or body mass index, takes into account a person’s weight in relation to their height. Individuals who are obese are likely to find it difficult to lose weight on their own, but bariatric surgery can help.
Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach and alters the digestive tract to make it easier to lose a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time. At Tijuana Bariatrics, we connect individuals from Tijuana, Mexico; Monterrey, Mexico; and surrounding areas with a network of specialists who can assist them in combating the common struggle that is obesity.
How Many People Struggle with Obesity?
Many individuals hesitate to seek help with their weight loss journey, often because they are embarrassed that they do not have control of their health. However, statistics show that obesity is a very common concern, so if you are struggling to shed excess pounds, you are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide were classified as overweight in 2016. Of these, over 650 million were classified as obese.
Sadly, obesity does not just affect adults. The WHO reported that in 2020, 39 million children under the age of five were defined as overweight or obese. In adolescents between the ages of five and 19, over 340 million were classified as overweight or obese.
Obesity on the Rise
Obesity has not only remained a steady problem over the years, it has increased pretty significantly. The WHO reports that worldwide cases of obesity have nearly tripled since 1975.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, further reports that obesity in the United States has increased within the past couple of decades. Their statistics show that obesity prevalence in the United States between 1999 and 2000 was 30.5 percent. That number increased to 42.4 percent for the year 2017-2018. During the same timeframe, the CDC reports that the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7 percent to 9.2 percent.
The Physical and Financial Cost of Obesity
Although many individuals want to lose weight to feel better about their appearance, obesity is much more than a cosmetic concern. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several medical conditions. Among the diseases and health complications that should be of particular concern to individuals struggling with obesity are:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers
The physical consequences of obesity lead to financial repercussions as well. The CDC estimated that the medical cost of obesity in the United States in 2008 was $147 billion. The CDC further estimated that the medical costs for people who have obesity was $1,429 higher than the medical costs of individuals with a healthy weight.
Start Your Bariatric Surgery Journey
If you are struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery may be the solution. At Tijuana Bariatrics we can connect you with surgeons who will determine which bariatric technique is right for you, so that you can lose weight and take control of your health. To get started, send us a message online, or call our Tijuana office at (800) 308-3607.
