Obesity may be the largest health epidemic to ever sweep the nation. More than two-thirds (69%) of Americans are classified as either overweight or obese, where obesity is defined as a BMI in excess of 30 and overweight is defined as a BMI that exceeds 25. People with BMIs in excess of 40 are classified as extremely obese, putting them at the greatest risk of a host of health issues.

At the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine, we often work with patients who struggle with obesity and other mental health issues. Indeed, this is a common phenomenon at mental health clinics across the country. Obesity in itself is not a mental illness, but it is closely related to a number of mental health issues. Moreover, the stress of being obese in a thinness-obsessed society can undermine the well-being of even the most psychologically sound minds. Essay Writing Service