Obesity has reached epidemic proportions around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese Americans continues to rise. In fact, 30 percent of adults over age 20 more than 60 million people are obese, which means they are 15 kilograms overweight and have a BMI, or body mass index (a measure of body fat), of more than 30. The data for Australian’s suggest that we also have an obesity problem that has risen to epidemic proportions.
Obesity Is on The Rise
One of the goals of the National Institutes of Health is to reduce obesity among adults by more than half by the year 2025. However, current data suggests that the situation is getting worse. Due to rising rates of childhood obesity, life expectancy could decrease by two to five years over the next few decades unless major efforts are made to slow down the rising rates of obesity.
What’s more, obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and other serious health complications:
- Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Having these disorders at the same time is a condition called metabolic syndrome, which can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and kidney disease.
- High blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease, is twice as common in obese adults than in those who are at a healthy weight.
- Obesity can also lead to arthritis, which is caused by stress on your joints.
A Likely Trigger for Heart Disease
Obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are a common grouping of risk factors for people with heart disease. Managing all these risk factors will help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What You Can Do Today
Overweight and obesity together represent the number-two preventable cause of death after smoking. There are many things you can do to get your weight under control and to help manage your risk for heart disease:
- Lifestyle Change: Develop a nutrition and diet plan that will support your weight loss goals. Couple your new nutrition plan with a well-designed and realistic exercise plan. A plan that you feel is realistic and that you can maintain and sty the course.
- Talk to your doctor and get the required medical support that may help control your risk factors for heart disease. If your doctor recommends a strategy stick to it exactly as directed and for as long as your doctor recommends.
Resolve to make this year a healthier one-set a weight-loss goal and stick with it.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.