About Obesity
We have all seen the fat, jolly clowns who make us laugh till we cry. However, when we’re talking about obesity, it is no laughing matter.
Info about Obesity: Definition
BMI- body mass index is measured by weight in kilograms/ height in meters squared. For those of us who have better things to do with our day than to sit around doing calculations, many websites are available for you to plug in your weight and height and get a BMI calculation.
In general, it is thought that a BMI of:
- < 18.5- underweight
- 18.5-24.9- normal weight
- 25-29.9 – overweight
- 30-34.9 – obese
- >/= 35 – morbidly obese
The CDC reports that in 2008, only one state had an obesity rate of less than 20%. Can you guess? For those of you who guessed Colorado, you are correct! All other 49 states have an obesity rate over 20%. Childhood obesity has been escalating over the decades. Some studies show childhood obesity rates has high as 19%.
Info about Obesity – What’s the BIG deal?
Obesity is associated with many health problems including increasing your risk of getting certain cancers! Here are just a few of the disease processes:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)- pauses of at least 30 seconds during sleep. OSA can cause multiple problems including high blood pressure, strain on the heart and lung and daytime fatigue to the point of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Pseudotumor cerebri- increased pressure in the eye that mimics a brain tumor, and can cause headaches and blindness.
- Joint disorders- obese patients have an increased risk of arthritis and also needing knee and hip replacements
- Heart disease
- Reflux
- Breast, colon and prostate cancer
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Increased anesthesia risk
- Decreased ability to heal wounds
- Mental disorders including depression and social isolation
What to Do About Obesity?
It is important to know the amount of calories that your body need for sustenance. Eating too few below or too much above your body’s caloric requirement may stall and hinder your weight loss efforts. There are again many websites that you can use to calculate your body’s caloric requirement. It is usually based on your gender, height and activity level.
About Obesity Diets – When it’s Great to be a Loser!!!
Being called a “loser, usually has derogatory implications. In the case of obesity, it is a great compliment with many health benefits. How can we make our move to a healthy and slimmer lifestyle? In general, 3500 calories is approximately one pound. A reduction of 500 calories a day can equal one pound of weight loss each week. For long term and effective weight loss, it is usually recommended to lose one to two pounds per week. Here are some options to improve your health:
- Food pyramid – While there are variations of the food pyramid, they all seem to encourage the intake of fruits, vegetable, whole grains and lean sources of protein. They recommend minimal intake of alcohol, sweets and salt.
- Appropriate calorie intake – As stated above, it is important to know your body’s caloric requirements. Staying at that level will help to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Prescription medications – The criteria for prescription medications for obesity include a patient with a BMI of 30 or more; or a patient with a BMI of 27 or more who also has an obesity related condition (example: hypertension). These medications include Meridia and Xenical. They are usually for short term use. Appetite suppressants such as phenterimine and sibutramine are also available. ALWAYS USE THESE UNDER THE GUIDANCE AND SUPERVISION OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER!
- Exercise – For significant weight loss, it is recommended to get 250 to 350 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Some weight loss and many health benefits can be derived from even 150 minutes each week. However, the fact of the matter is, it is a matter of calories burned versus calories taken in for weight reduction. Kids should also get at least one hour of outdoor activity each day if possible. Don’t forget to check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise routine.
- Weight loss surgery – Weight loss surgeries are widely available. Each patient has to meet certain criteria prior to approval for surgery however. The criteria may include having an obesity related condition such as sleep apnea, hypertension, or diabetes as well as failed serious non-surgical attempts at weight loss. A BMI of 40 or 35 with an obesity related condition is also usually required. Surgical options include lap band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass procedures.
Let’s make our great nation a healthy one! For more information, email me at Camille@doctorcamille.com or log on to www.doctorcamille.com.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace medical advice provided by your health care provider. Always seek medical attention from your health care provider. We will not be liable for any health or medical information provided.
Tags: about obesity, about obesity diets, dr. camille graham, info about obesity, obesity diets, on call with dr. camille, what to do about obesity
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