Fighting Obesity: Should Your Doctor Step In? :

If you'll pardon the pun, obesity is a growing problem in America. In fact, it's an epidemic. Statistics show that more than half of the U.S. population is overweight, and about a third fall into the obese category. Why is this happening? Well, you don't have to exercise to live, so it's an optional activity. But you do have to eat, and over the years Americans have become more and more dependent on eating convenient fast foods, which tend to be high in sugar and fat.

To find out if you're considered obese, you have to determine the relationship of your height to your weight by the following mathematical formula (get out your calculator): First, multiply your weight by 705. Divide the result by your height in inches. Divide that number by your height in inches again. (You can also do a Web search for BMI calculators and find one that will do the math automatically.) Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher. Being obese significantly raises your chances of serious medical problems, such as heart disease and cancer, so the sooner you drop the extra weight , the better. The best, safest way to go about this is the simplest -- diet and exercise.

If you don't do any aerobic exercise, you need to start . You don't have to knock yourself out. Even just a half-hour of walking five days a week will burn significant calories. Because the key is to be consistent, find an activity that you enjoy, swimming for instance. Alongside exercise, consult a diet resource such as eDiets.com and learn to count calories so you can consciously reduce your caloric intake.

That's the simple truth: If you eat less and exercise, you'll lose weight . Easy to say, but it can be hard to do. Some obese people find it nearly impossible to lose weight on their own. If that's the case for you, don't hesitate to seek medical help.

Your doctor may prescribe a medication to aid your weight loss. But keep in mind that these medications are intended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise. They won't work as a substitute. Possible medications your doctor might prescribe for you include:

1. Orlistat, which is marketed under the name Xenical. Xenical can be prescribed for people who weigh more than 30 percent over what their normal weight should be. The drug works by reducing absorption of fat. Possible side effects include incontinence and diarrhea.

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