MURFREESBORO, TN - Obesity has been an ongoing battle throughout the south and Rutherford County is no exception.

Medical experts tell us a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) falls between 18.5 and just under 25, while anything between 25 and under 30 is categorized as overweight. An individual with a BMI of 30 or higher is recorded as obese. That said, 36% of adults throughout the state are obese. Last year, 38% of adults in Rutherford County reported a BMI that was greater than or equal to 30, which means 38% of Rutherford County's population is obese.

While there are literally hundreds if not thousands of ways to lose weight, surgical procedures to battle obesity have continued to grow in popularity. One report noted the global growth of the bariatric surgery market is foretasted to climb by 9% between now and 2028.

One of the many people who call Rutherford County home recently opened up to WGNS listeners and told her story of weight-loss, with a goal of helping others. Leteta Toney told WGNS how she felt before undergoing surgery...

After recovering from surgery, Toney could feel the change... Although in a different department, Toney worked at the medical facility where the procedure was accomplished... Believing in the bariatric program that gave her quality of life, she requested a department change at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford... Today, Toney is a Patient Advocate in the Bariatric Center.

Toney had her procedure in August of 2021 and continues to do great, which is one reason why she helps others gain insurance approval for weight-loss surgery at Saint Thomas...

Sustained obesity often comes with a slew of medical problems, most of which can be corrected with change (weight-loss). Sometimes, that change begins with the aid of bariatric surgery. Hear our entire interview with Leteta Toney HERE.

Below is a list of medical ailments that are tied to obesity. The list comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure 
• Sleep Apnea 
• Decreased Quality of Life
• Stroke 
• Metabolic Syndrome 
• Breathing Problems 
• Heart Disease 
• Some Cancers 
• Gout 
• Kidney Problems 
• Decreased Sexual Function 
• Mental Health Problems 
• High Pregnancy Risk  
• Fertility Issues  
• Possible Gallbladder and Pancreas Diseases 
• Sleep Apnea 
• Decreased Quality of Life

To speak with someone in the bariatric program, call (615) 396-4965, today.