Obesity affects over 58 million people in the United States, 26 million men and 32 million women. The exact cause or etiology of obesity is unknown although numerous factors, genetic, environmental and behavioral, most likely play important roles.

Obesity is recognized as a chronic medical disease becoming the second leading cause of preventable death, surpassed only by cigarette smoking. It is divided into four grades based upon a measure of obesity which relates the height and weight, called the body mass index (BMI).

In designating Baystate Medical Center as one of America's Best Hospitals in 2007, U.S. News and World Report singled out Baystate's Endocrinology and Bariatric programs.  Learn more....

For more information about this program call 413-794-7020.