More than 2 in 5 U.S. adults over age 20 have obesity, a condition that is linked to several life-threatening conditions including heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic, complex disease involving excess body fat. It can result from a mix of genetic, physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. It’s not just about weight—it’s about overall health and how your body functions.
How is Obesity Diagnosed?
The most common measure is Body Mass Index (BMI),which compares weight to height. (Calculate your BMI atcdc.gov/bmi.)
- 25–29.9: Overweight
- 30 or higher: Obese
Doctors also consider medical history, physical exams, lab results, and lifestyle habits to get a full picture of your health.
How Does Obesity Affect Heart Health?
- Obesity is tied to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes—all major heart disease risks.
- Excess abdominal fat can cause atherosclerosis—the thickening and narrowing of arteries.
- The heart must work harder to pump blood, which can eventually lead to heart failure.
- More than 80% of people with coronary heart disease (CHD) are overweight or obese.
180%: The increase in U.S. deaths from obesity-related coronary heart disease from 1999 to 2020.
Source: American Heart Association
How Can Obesity Be Managed or Treated?
Get preventive care.
Work with your primary care provider to monitor BMI, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Your Health Plan covers USPSTF-recommended preventive services at 100%.
Adopt heart-healthy habits.
Increase physical activity and make nutritious food choices.
- Use Regence Empower for self-guided programs and tools to help you stay motivated—at no cost to you.
- Check out Active&Fit Direct™ (on regence.com) for discounted access to gyms or digital workout options.
- If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk for heart disease. The Livongo Diabetes Management Program is available.
- Is that hitch in your giddy-up preventing you from physical activity? Good news! The Bledsoe Health Trust provides virtual physical therapy to participants 18 years and older through the Hinge Health app—at no cost to you. Go to hinge.health/for/bledsoehealthtrust to enroll.
Consult a specialist.
A provider who focuses on obesity can help you find safe, effective strategies for weight loss. While your Health Plan doesn’t cover obesity surgery or GLP-1 medications, a specialist can connect you with other supportive resources. Choose an in-network provider to save money.