Obesity

Facts about Obesity

 Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat

 Can result in serious adverse health affects and a decreased lifespan

 Middle-aged pets (5-10 years), "fixed" pets, and indoor pets are at greatest risk

Causes

 An imbalance between energy intake and usage (taking in more than it uses)

Decrease in exercise

Unhealthy eating habits

 Hypothyroidism

Insulinoma

Hyperadrenocorticism

Neutering/Spaying

Symptoms

Weight gain

Excess body fat

The inability or unwillingness to exercise

 An above-ideal score in a body condition assessment

Treatment is weight loss by:

 Reducing caloric intake (diets rich in dietary fiber & protein and low in fat)

Increasing exercise