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Obesity is diagnosed when the weight gain of an
individual is 20% greater than the ideal weight with regards to
individual height and size of body frame or as indicated by the
Metropolitan Height and Weight Tables, or as a BMI (body mass index)
of 27 or greater. (A calculation including weight to height ratios
with an assigned number as a result.) Additionally, obesity can
be diagnosed when a tricep skin fold measurement exceeds 15 mm (3
/4ยท inch) in a man and 25mm (1 inch) in a woman.
Currently, 1 in 3 adults living in the U.S. weighs
20% or more above desirable weight. According to statistics based
on 1990 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately
58 million adults suffer from obesity. This increase is rising toward
epidemic levels and has become an alarming factor with regards to
its health implications.
Health implications of obesity: Being overweight
affects almost every body system in some way. Overweight increases
the chances that an individual will develop or experience one or
more of the following:
High blood pressure
Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Elevated cholesterol
Coronary heart disease
Gallbladder disease
Endometrial cancer
Osteoarthritis
Stroke
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
Colon cancer
Musculoskeletal problems
Metabolic problems
Breathing disorders - sleep apnea
Acute psychological distress
Probability of an early death
What causes obesity? The causes of obesity
remains poorly understood and clearly undefined, although studies
are on-going. There may be an inherited trend to become overweight
with genes playing a possible role. More clearly understood is the
relationship between caloric intake and calorie burning. In more
simplistic terms, people gain weight when they consume more calories
than their bodies burn.
How to manage your weight: Eat less (reduce
caloric intake). Increase the calories you burn - Exercise! When
exercising, make sure all exercises are rhythmic, repetitive, involves
large muscles and motion, and challenges the circulatory system.
Many programs have been designed to help those
who suffer from the difficulties of losing weight whether it be
a mere 10 pounds or 100 pounds or more. To prove beneficial, a program
should include a fully comprehensive agenda, consisting of a number
of weight loss options and plans, medical monitoring, and lifestyle
education and exercise. A good combination would be composed of
medical practitioners experienced in weight management (Bariatric
Medicine), psychologists, dietitians, and exercise specialists.
Ultimately, plans should be offered with a choice of either group
or individual counseling and educational sessions. (See www.weightmanagement.com)
As with any weight loss or exercise program, check
with your doctor prior to starting.
Benefits of weight loss:
Lowers high blood pressure
Improves control of diabetes
Improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Improves breathing and related disorders (sleep apnea)
Reduces stress on joints.
The Good News: If maintained, even small
weight losses (as little as 5-10%) will improve your health and
reduce the risk for some potentially serious diseases.
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