Obesity / Overweight

Obesity is a chronic disease that is associated with having an excess amount of body fat that is difficult to control, even when dieting.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a chronic disease that is associated with having an excess amount of body fat (via genetic and/or environmental factors) that is difficult to control, even when dieting. It is classified as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is a tool that is used to measure obesity, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. At Kitsap Medical Weight Loss, we utilize the SECA body composition analyzer to get a more complete picture of an individual’s health.* The SECA body composition analyzer can show us exactly how much lean muscle a body has, and where it’s distributed.* This is extremely beneficial, given that athletes and heavily-muscled people have a higher BMI and the results can be skewed. SECA gives us a clearer picture of your overall health.*

What are the associated risks?

There are more than 40 medical conditions that are associated with obesity. Individuals are at risk of developing one or more of these serious medical conditions:

Obesity commonly involves a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol. Together, these four complications are known as metabolic syndrome. However, not everyone with a high BMI has these complications, and not everyone has all four of them.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI is measured by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his/her height in meters squared. Once you find your measurement, you will want to find your weight classification that is accompanied on the BMI chart or calculator. Knowing your BMI can be a good starting point in addressing your weight, but you should not rely on it alone. Both women and men use the same chart to measure obesity, and the same classifications of obesity apply to both sexes. Remember to keep in mind that BMI is a calculation and it cannot distinguish between fat and lean tissue.

SECA body composition analyzer

The SECA body composition analyzer is the gold standard for fat mass estimation in the body.* The device shows exactly how much lean muscle you have, and where that lean muscle is distributed.* With a waist measurement component added in, the machine tells us how much of your body’s fat is visceral fat.* That’s the fat inside your abdomen, and the biggest risk factor in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, often resulting in heart attacks and strokes. The body composition scanner can also show how well hydrated you are, and gives an overall gauge of your nutritional condition and state of health.*

Learn More

What is metabolically healthy obesity?

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) refers to people with a body mass index high enough to be classified as obese, but without having the health complications that are usually associated with the disease. Some research suggests that not all fat is hazardous and that having different kinds of fat could make a difference. Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat under the skin that may not be a risk factor for metabolic disease. Fat in or around the heart and liver, on the other hand, can ultimately be more fatal. Additionally, just because a person is obese, it does not mean that he or she has an unhealthy lifestyle. A person with obesity who exercises and makes healthy food choices may continue to gain the same benefits as people who are not obese.*

Medical Advice and Treatments in West Sound, Washington

Obesity treatments vary from person to person, but at Kitsap Medical Weight Loss, your first visit will include a review of your medical history, a physical exam, a SECA body composition scan, several lab tests (some will have EKG), an educational session in a group setting and a private consultation with Dr. Ellen Stehouwer. The first visit takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. If medications are prescribed, you will receive them at our office at the end of your visit. Follow-up visits are scheduled every four weeks and those usually last 30 minutes or less. If you live in the West Sound region or the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, schedule your first visit online or give us a call at (360) 626-1166.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.

Schedule Now


This practice is such a gem in Poulsbo. Excellent support and attention. Superior resources and surprisingly affordable. I've seen a lot of success and I tell everyone I know about it!*

- Brittany C.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.


(360) 626-1166