Dr. Jen Gunter
obesity
Is it really healthier to be a few pounds overweight? That’s not what the study says.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that a body mass index or BMI of 25-29.9 (overweight) is associated with the lowest risk of death and that class 1 obesity (BMI 30-34.9) is not associated with an increased risk of mortality. As this study hit the presses January 2nd … Continue reading
When I’m Supreme Empress of Health, trans fats will be banned
Sometimes late at night I like to imagine myself as Supreme Empress of Health Care. Yes, I understand that America is a republic, but we need some major health care over hauling from someone who will A) actually get things done, B) think about the health of the nation as the political agenda, and C) … Continue reading
A tale of 2 BMIs: thoughts on redefining obesity
I am now the same weight that I was in grade 12: 154 lbs. At 5′ 11″ that gives me a body mass index (BMI) of 21.5 (it was 29 a year and a half ago). While my weight and height are the same as 17-year-old Jen, my size is not. I was a size … Continue reading
More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight: the normalization of unhealthy
34% of the adult population in America (32% of men and 35% of women) is obese. While the rate of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30, or 30 lbs overweight for someone who is 5’4″) has remained constant over the past few years. The rate of obesity has more than doubled since 1985, when less … Continue reading
Is the birth control pill less effective for overweight and obese women?
Welcome to myth busters, OB/GYN style. Today’s myth: that the pill (because there is no other “pill,” right?) is less effective for overweight and obese women compared with women who are normal weight. Knowing if there is an association between pill failure and obesity is important given that 60% of reproductive aged women are over … Continue reading
Bariatric surgery and contraception: what you need to know
Contraception is essential after bariatric surgery. As an obese woman starts to lose weight, her chances of getting pregnancy increase (obesity negatively affects fertility for many women). Depending on your method of contraception and the type of weight loss procedure you may need to make some contraception changes after surgery. The big issue is wether … Continue reading
