Obesity Specialist
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Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Board-Certified Family Practice Physician & Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist located in Sumter, SC & Columbia, SC
With more than two-thirds of American adults carrying extra weight, obesity is one of the greatest health threats for men and women of all ages. Being obese increases your risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and more, but achieving a healthy weight is much easier with the support and expert guidance of Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM. Serving people in Columbia and Sumter, South Carolina, Dr. Leonard is board-certified in obesity medicine and he’s here to help you overcome obesity to improve your health and quality of life. Schedule your first appointment over the phone or online today.
Obesity Q & A
Am I overweight or obese?
Carrying extra weight is more than just a cosmetic concern. Obesity is a growing health crisis because being overweight or obese can compromise your health and well-being in a variety of ways.
Body weight is influenced by a handful of complex factors, including genetics, overall health, diet, and activity level. Body mass index (BMI) is a medical measurement that compares your height and weight to determine if your weight could pose a risk to your health.
BMI measurements between 18.5-24.9 indicate a healthy weight. You’re considered overweight if your BMI is between 25-29.9, and obese if it’s 30 or above. BMI is not a perfect indication of health, but it can be a good place to start if you’re concerned about your weight.
What are the risks associated with obesity?
When you’re obese, the extra pounds put increased strain on your body. Obesity can be harmful because it forces your heart, organs, muscles, and more to work harder. Over time, the strain may lead to health complications.
Obesity is linked to increased risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Infertility
Many people understand that being overweight or obese can have negative health consequences, but the good news is that losing as little as 5-10% of your body weight can have significant health benefits. Plus, you don’t have to do it alone.
How can I achieve a healthy weight?
Losing weight can improve your health, but finding a weight-loss plan that’s effective isn’t always easy. Dr. Leonard is board certified in obesity medicine and he’s here to help you achieve a healthy weight. His weight-loss programs are physician-supervised and tailored to fit your needs.
When you start your weight-loss journey, Dr. Leonard begins with a full assessment of your health. He performs diagnostic testing, including a panel of blood tests, to determine if undiagnosed health issues are contributing to your inability to lose weight.
He combines insights gained from your evaluation with his expertise to develop a program that’s right for you. Your personalized weight-loss program includes a specialized nutrition and exercise plan aimed at long-term success. For some patients, Dr. Leonard may recommend a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) program for accelerated weight loss.
You can shed pounds and improve your health with Dr. Leonard’s physician-supervised weight-loss program. Call or book your first appointment online to start your weight-loss journey today.
