Obesity

A disease that affects approximately 127 million adults in the United States and results in 300,000 deaths annually, obesity is a condition in which excess body weight is stored in the adipose tissue of an individual's body. Obesity is linked to cardio vascular complications, colorectal cancer, organ disease and diabetic issues. In women, obesity plays a role in breast cancer and fertility complications brought on by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Causes of obesity include genetic, pituitary and glandular problems such as hypothyroidism; compulsive overeating; medication that retards metabolism; diabetes and other blood or hormonal disorders; and poor food choice due to educational or financial deficiency (as low cost food is typically processed and loaded with calories).

Most insurance companies will not cover weight loss costs. Moreover, weight loss surgery procedures such as a gastric bypass and prescribed weight loss medication such as an appetite suppressant are typically not covered by medial insurance plans.