Obesity & Weight Management in Newark, East Orange, Bloomfield & Hackettstown, NJ
April 9th, 2025
Read Time: 7-9 minutes
Jump to: Symptoms | Causes | Health Risks | Treatment & Management | FAQs
Overview
Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by excess body fat that can negatively affect your health. It is typically diagnosed when a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher. Obesity increases the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
What is obesity?
Obesity is more than a number on the scale – it’s a complex health issue involving genetics, lifestyle, behavior, and sometimes underlying medical conditions. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about improving overall health and reducing your risk for long-term complications.
How is obesity measured?
The most common tool to measure obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated using your weight in pounds and height in inches. (The metric formula is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.)
Use this BMI calculator provided by the CDC to check your number.
BMI categories
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 – 29.9
- Obese: BMI 30 or higher
- Class 1 obesity: BMI 30 – 34.9
- Class 2 obesity: BMI 35 – 39.9
- Class 3 obesity (severe/extreme): BMI 40 or higher
It’s important to be aware that BMI is a general guideline and may not reflect overall health for every individual. For example, athletes or individuals with higher muscle mass may have a BMI that classifies them as overweight or obese, even though they are in excellent health.
Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio
Your healthcare provider will measure your waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio to measure abdominal fat.
- Waist circumference: This is the measurement around the waist, typically taken just above the navel. A waist circumference of more than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is considered a risk factor for obesity-related complications, even if BMI falls in the “normal” range.
- Waist-to-hip ratio: This ratio compares the circumference of your waist to that of your hips. A higher ratio indicates a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health complications associated with obesity.
Lab tests
Bloodwork is often recommended to check for conditions commonly linked to obesity, such as:
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Elevated blood sugar or insulin resistance
- Thyroid function (to check for hypothyroidism)
- Liver function tests (to detect fatty liver disease)
- Hormonal panels (especially if conditions like PCOS are suspected)
These tests help us understand how your weight may be affecting your overall health and guide a more personalized treatment plan.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of obesity?
The symptoms of obesity can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition, but here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Weight gain over time: One of the most obvious symptoms of obesity is gradual, continuous weight gain. This happens when the body consistently takes in more calories than it expends, leading to an increase in fat stores.
- Joint or back pain: Excess weight, particularly when carried around the abdomen, places additional stress on your joints, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Trouble sleeping or sleep apnea: Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with obesity, with sleep apnea being one of the most prevalent issues.
- Shortness of breath with mild activity: Obesity can impair lung function and lead to difficulty breathing, even with minimal physical exertion.
- Mood changes or low self-esteem: Obesity can have significant psychological effects, often leading to mood changes, feelings of depression, and lowered self-esteem (depression, anxiety, social stigma.)
If you’re experiencing these symptoms and finding it challenging to manage your weight, visit one of our primary care clinics in Newark, East Orange, Bloomfield, or Hackettstown, NJ, where our team can provide the guidance and care you deserve.
Causes
Obesity is a complex condition with many contributing factors. While it may seem like it’s simply a matter of overeating or lack of exercise, the reality is that many underlying causes – both physical and emotional – can play a role in weight gain. Understanding these causes is the first step toward meaningful change.
What causes obesity?
Many different factors can contribute to obesity, such as:
- Unhealthy diet: High intake of calories, processed foods, or sugary drinks
- Lack of physical activity: When we don’t engage in enough physical activity, the body doesn’t burn enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
- Genetics or family history: While no single “obesity gene” exists, several genetic factors can influence how the body processes food and stores fat (fat storage, appetite regulation, metabolism efficiency, family history.)
- Hormonal or metabolic imbalances: Several hormones play a role in hunger, fat storage, and metabolism, and when they’re out of balance, they can contribute to obesity (leptin resistance, ghrelin imbalance, thyroid hormones, insulin resistance.)
- Medications that cause weight gain: Certain medications can contribute to weight gain by altering appetite, metabolism, or fat storage (antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids.)
- Stress, depression, or emotional eating: Mental health plays a major role in weight management, and conditions like stress, depression, and emotional eating can lead to weight gain.
Our experienced healthcare providers can help uncover the root causes and create a personalized plan that works for you.
Health Risks
Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern – it’s a serious medical condition that can increase your risk of developing a wide range of health problems.
These risks affect nearly every system in the body, including your heart, lungs, hormones, joints, and mental health. Some of these issues can develop quietly over time and may go unnoticed until they become severe.
What are the health risks of obesity?
Carrying excess weight can increase your risk for many health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Gallbladder disease
- Certain cancers (like breast, colon, and kidney)
- Depression and anxiety
The good news is that even modest weight loss (5–10% of your body weight) can significantly reduce your risk of many obesity-related health problems.
If you’re concerned about your weight or experiencing symptoms related to obesity, visiting a healthcare provider is a great first step.
Treatment and Management
Obesity treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all – it’s about finding the right combination of strategies that work for your body, lifestyle, and health goals. At our primary care clinics in Newark, East Orange, Bloomfield, and Hackettstown, NJ, we offer personalized care plans for every unique individual.
How is obesity treated?
- Lifestyle changes: This includes guidance on healthy eating habits, portion control, and sustainable meal planning, along with personalized exercise recommendations based on your fitness level, health goals, and any physical limitations. It doesn’t have to be a life-changing overhaul – eating the right foods and consuming fewer calories than your body needs is a great start toward achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Behavioral support: Addressing emotional eating, stress, and habits that contribute to weight gain. This may involve personalized counseling to help you manage these challenges. For more specialized care, a referral to a behavioral health specialist may be recommended.
- Medication management: Weight-loss medications may be prescribed to help individuals manage their weight more effectively, especially when traditional approaches have not been successful. These medications are typically used alongside a healthy diet and exercise program.
- Appetite Suppressants: These medications help control hunger, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
- Fat Absorption Blockers: Some medications reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from food.
- Metabolism Boosters: These can help increase the number of calories your body burns.
- Diabetes and Weight Loss: Certain medications originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes may also help with weight loss as a secondary benefit.
- Weight loss surgery: When lifestyle changes and medications are not enough to achieve sustainable weight loss, bariatric surgery can be a highly effective treatment option for individuals with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery helps with weight loss by altering the digestive system to limit food intake or reduce nutrient absorption.
Why Choose Nirvana Healthcare?
At Nirvana Healthcare, we understand that managing obesity is a personal journey, and we’re committed to providing you with the support, resources, and care you need to succeed. Here’s why patients throughout Essex and Warren County, NJ trust us for their weight management needs:
- Local Access & Convenience: Our primary care practices are located in Essex County and Warren County, NJ. With multiple locations across Newark, East Orange, Bloomfield, and Hackettstown, NJ, Nirvana Healthcare makes it easy for you to get the care you need – close to home.
- Comprehensive, Personalized Care: Our board-certified team of primary care providers offer individualized weight management plans, combining medical treatment, lifestyle coaching, and emotional support to help you achieve long-term success.
- Expert Primary Care Providers: Our providers are experienced in diagnosing and managing obesity and its related health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. We work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
- Integrated Support: We offer coordinated care with our behavioral health specialists to ensure that every aspect of your health is addressed.
- Compassionate, Judgment-Free Environment: At Nirvana Healthcare, we treat obesity as a medical condition, not a personal failure. We’re here to support you with respect, compassion, and understanding every step of the way.
- Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-up: Our commitment doesn’t stop once you begin your weight management plan. We provide regular follow-ups to monitor progress, make adjustments as needed, and help keep you on track to meet your goals.
Schedule your appointment
Are you ready to take the next step toward better health and managing obesity? Call us at 973-672-8573 to schedule your appointment with one of our experienced primary care providers, or book an appointment online.
You can find us at the following locations:
Newark, NJ
East Orange, NJ
Bloomfield, NJ
Hackettstown, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to see a doctor for obesity?
If you are struggling to lose weight despite efforts with diet and exercise, or if you have obesity-related symptoms like joint pain, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider. Early intervention is crucial in preventing long-term health complications.
Is obesity treatment covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover treatments for obesity, including doctor visits, weight-loss medications, and even bariatric surgery in some cases. It’s best to check with your insurance provider and discuss options with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the necessary support.
What happens if I regain weight after losing it?
Weight management is a lifelong journey, and some weight regain can occur. However, the key is to continue practicing the healthy habits you’ve developed, such as balanced eating and regular physical activity. At Nirvana Healthcare, we provide ongoing support to help you maintain your progress and make adjustments as needed.
How long does it take to see results from weight loss treatment?
The timeline for seeing results varies depending on the approach. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise may show gradual results over time, while medications can sometimes accelerate weight loss. Bariatric surgery can offer more immediate results, though long-term success requires ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
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