Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Obesity : Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor can help you determine whether you need to lose weight and, if so, how much. In addition to evaluating your BMI and waist circumference, your doctor can review your medical history, which helps reveal how dangerous excess fat is to your health. Do you smoke, drink alcohol or live with a high level of stress? In combination with these behaviors, excess weight can have even greater health implications.

Your doctor can also assess your current health. You may have a health problem that would improve if you lost weight or that requires treatment beyond weight loss.

Talking to your doctor openly and honestly about your weight is one of the best things you can do for your health. The more your weight increases, the more medical problems you may face.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=tests%2Dand%2Ddiagnosis