A Growing Epidemic
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The population of the United States is growing....in size. In the past twenty years, this country has evolved into a nation of overweight and clinically obese individuals.
This epidemic of gargantuan proportions is most telling in American children. Newsweek reports that almost one-third of America's youth are overweight or obese. |
There are numerous reasons for this trend. Among the suspects are the following:
- Sedentary lifestyle: more time on computer games and less time in outdoor activities. Less emphasis on physical education in our schools.
- High caloric intake: fast foods, increased portions, and unhealthy preparation of foods
The definition of obesity can be one of the following:
So what is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
English BMI Formula BMI = ( Weight in Pounds / ( Height in inches x Height in inches ) ) x 703 Metric BMI Formula BMI = ( Weight in Kilograms / ( Height in Meters x Height in Meters ) ) where 1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms 1 inches = 0.0254 meters
What are the ramifications of this growing population of oversized Americans? PLENTY! There seems to be a relationship between the rising numbers of people who develop diabetes and the increase in obesity. The believed comorbidity between the two developments has led to a new term, "diabesity". This term denotes the idea that diabetes can develop with obesity as a contributing factor. The vast majority of these new diabetic patients are Type 2, which develops when the body's cells gradually lose their sensitivity to insulin.
- A weight that is 20-30% above the ideal weight.
- Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.
- A more specific definition is that obesity in adults is when their Body Mass Index (BMI) has a rating of 30 or above. A rating of 40 or higher describes someone who is Morbidly obese their weight is putting their health in jeopardy.
So what is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
English BMI Formula BMI = ( Weight in Pounds / ( Height in inches x Height in inches ) ) x 703 Metric BMI Formula BMI = ( Weight in Kilograms / ( Height in Meters x Height in Meters ) ) where 1 pound = 0.45359237 kilograms 1 inches = 0.0254 meters
What are the ramifications of this growing population of oversized Americans? PLENTY! There seems to be a relationship between the rising numbers of people who develop diabetes and the increase in obesity. The believed comorbidity between the two developments has led to a new term, "diabesity". This term denotes the idea that diabetes can develop with obesity as a contributing factor. The vast majority of these new diabetic patients are Type 2, which develops when the body's cells gradually lose their sensitivity to insulin.
The numbers of people with diabetes is rising. In the United Kingdom, a recent article reported that "around 2.8 million people in Britain suffer from the disease and rates have increased by 75 per cent since 2007." This rise in numbers has been linked to the growing numbers of overweight adults and children. This rise is most alarming in children because of the potential for health related issues during their lifespan. In itself, being overweight or obese can lead to several health issues:
- Cardiovascular disease: heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes: the World Health Organization predicts that diabetic related deaths will increase by 50% in the next 10 years
- Musculoskeletal disorders: osteoarthritis
- Cancer: colon, breast, uterine
Developing diabetes adds another list of ailments:
The strain on our health care system and the cost of health care will skyrocket if this trend is allowed to continue. On an individual basis, who doesn't want to live a long, healthy and fruitful life? This is one area that a change in lifestyle can significantly enhance your prospects of a healthy life. The call to arms to combat childhood obesity has been made by Michelle Obama. She is promoting good eating habits and exercise to fight the growing obesity trend. What can you do? First of all, be aware of the seriousness of the issue. Then take steps to get down to a healthy weight for you. Eat healthy.
Increase your level of activity within safe limits.check with your physician before embarking on any strenuous exercise. As part of the health care team, we want to keep you healthy and happy. This is one way that you can contribute to this end. Be Healthy!
- Retinopathy: hemorrhaging within the eyes that can lead to blindness.
- Kidney damage: kidney failure
- Poor blood circulation and nerve damage: this can lead to increased infections in the extremities, which can lead to poor healing lesions, ulcers and possible amputations.
The strain on our health care system and the cost of health care will skyrocket if this trend is allowed to continue. On an individual basis, who doesn't want to live a long, healthy and fruitful life? This is one area that a change in lifestyle can significantly enhance your prospects of a healthy life. The call to arms to combat childhood obesity has been made by Michelle Obama. She is promoting good eating habits and exercise to fight the growing obesity trend. What can you do? First of all, be aware of the seriousness of the issue. Then take steps to get down to a healthy weight for you. Eat healthy.
Increase your level of activity within safe limits.check with your physician before embarking on any strenuous exercise. As part of the health care team, we want to keep you healthy and happy. This is one way that you can contribute to this end. Be Healthy!