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The year is still fresh. Trends as they are, obesity will rise yet again. Over the past 40 years, obesity has increased from 13 percent to 31 percent in the United States adult population. How many will succumb to this epidemic in 2012? Will you be one of them …
Obesity can be frightening. It doesn’t hit like a heart attack, aneurysm, or sudden trauma, though it may contribute to them. Rather, it quietly lingers as part of your physical structure. A silent detriment to your health.
Most don’t even recognize themselves as obese. The term is incorrectly associated with the extremely overweight, physically limited individual. You may be surprised to discover you or a loved one are actually clinically obese. It is one of those tough realizations.
We endearingly view some folks as “chubby,” “round,” or “curvy.” Unlike high cholesterol and other health issues, facing the reality of your weight, or that of a loved one, is a sensitive issue. The fear of offending or insulting prevents us from encouraging action. Yet, like any other health condition, action should be taken before serious consequences occur.
Your body mass index (BMI) is an accurate starting point for determination (because a lot can be hidden with the right clothes). This calculation involves your height and weight. Typically, a BMI over 25 indicates overweight; over 30 indicates obesity. Note there is not a big jump between the two. Yet, tipping to the obese category may trigger additional health threats.
For a quick indication, measure your waist. Your waist should remain smaller than your hips. Consider the dangers of a thick middle alone, which include increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and types of cancer. Belly fat is more harmful than fat accumulated in other areas.
Health Consequences
Warning: Risks construct a slippery path.
Still reluctant to gently encourage those you care about to lose weight? Not yet motivated yourself to manage a healthy weight? Consider these risks associated with obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health:
Economic Impact
All the extra burgers and fries consumed by Americans do not stimulate the economy. The billions spent on weight loss products and services, many of which are gimmicks, don’t help either. Obesity has a negative impact on our nation’s capital. In recent years, United States medical care costs associated with obesity reached a staggering $147 billion annually.
Obesity fuels the scale, not the economy.
Consider the expense of preventative, diagnostic, and treatment costs with regards to obesity, along with the indirect results of morbidity and mortality costs. For businesses, this may translate as more sick time, less productivity, and restricted activities. Weight loss may not be one’s civic duty; however, it is astounding to realize the impact of an individual’s health.
Convinced Now?
Perhaps now you recognize the need for a healthier reading on the bathroom scale. Don’t be overwhelmed. When loss is recommended or desired, experts emphasize a mere reduction of15 percent of your current body weight can be helpful. Even if not considered obese, many find shedding five to ten pounds improves energy level and overall well-being.
Determine your “fighting weight.” A number that feels acceptable for you may vary from the next person, based on factors like age, activity level, genetics, metabolism, and nutritional needs. You may not be obese, or even overweight, but know your ideal weight– and achieve it– to feel best.
Follow Our Seniors
Commit to lifelong health.
A detailed study, which focused on obesity in older individuals, confirmed the diet-exercise combination as most effective in battling excessive weight.
According to the study’s principal investigator Dennis T. Villareal, MD, “In older adults, obesity exacerbates the decline in physical performance and leads to frailty, impaired quality-of-life, and higher nursing home admissions.”
Today’s increased lifespan and obesity in elderly populations prompted this investigation. The goal was to determine the most effective way to help seniors remain healthy and independent. About 20 percent of people 65 years and older are obese. This number is expected to rise as baby boomers become senior citizens. Researchers main motive for determining the most effective means of weight loss in seniors was to help facilitate everyday functioning.
The results of this one-year study indicated:
Physical performance included tasks such as walking 50 feet, putting on and removing a coat, standing up from a chair, picking up a penny, climbing a flight of stairs, and lifting a book. Those of healthy weight do these activities naturally and without thought. Extra weight or added years easily can make such simple doings a challenge.
These numbers further suggest successful weight maintenance requires a lifestyle change. To lose weight — and keep it off– it’s necessary to maintain healthy habits, which include exercise and nutritional monitoring. It requires a lifelong commitment to a healthy way of living.
Success comes in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps the member next to you in the locker room is a success story. It doesn’t have to encompass losing 100 pounds. It is about countless, everyday improvements as you journey through life. If you aren’t at your ideal weight today, remain steadfast in your commitment. Exercise and proper diet assure your healthiest life possible. Hug yourself and those you love. Confront the truth about a healthy weight.
