The statistics make headline nearly every day. Americans are overweight. Obesity is an epidemic. Type II Diabetes is out of control, destroying the quality of life of people from all backgrounds and, sadly, even cutting lives short.

Something, the experts say, needs to be done.

What’s being done is that more and more Americans are turning to weight loss

surgery. They’re deciding to take back control of their lives through the marvels of modern medicine. Just 10 years ago, the number of Americans who had weight loss surgery each year was about 103,000. Today, more than 200,000 people go through the procedures each year.

They lose weight. They live healthier, fuller lives. And they tell their friends and family members who are also struggling with their weight to do the same.

If you’re overweight, you might be a candidate for weight loss surgery. Here’s a look at the people who should consider the procedure:

BeLite Weight|Weight Loss Surgery

You should seriously consider weight loss surgery if you are an obese adult. If your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or greater, you’re likely a candidate for weight loss surgery.

You should consider weight loss surgery if you are obese and have a weight-related medical condition, such as Type II Diabetes or heart problems. People who undergo the procedures often see a significant decrease—or in some cases even the elimination—in the symptoms of their health problems.

You should consider weight loss surgery if you are ready to seriously commit to changing your lifestyle. The surgery itself is only part of the success equation. It takes discipline, determination and the desire to live a healthier, more full life to lose the weight and keep it off.

You should consider having weight loss surgery if you know with precision that you are ready to change the way you eat. Eating is so much a part of the American culture that making a change away from unhealthy foods and large portions can be difficult. However, once you make the change, you’ll likely feel so good you don’t want to go back.