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Obesity - Is There Help For This Growing Epidemic?
by Gerry Marsh
Obesity is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases. Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 30, has increased in both sexes; across all age groups, races and educational levels; and among smokers and nonsmokers.
Obesity Health Risks
Being overweight is a real medical concern because it can seriously affect a persons health. The related health problems go way beyond the ones we usually hear about, like diabetes and heart disease. So younger people are now developing health problems that used to affect only adults, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. A couple of pounds of extra body fat are not a health risk for most people but obesity definitely is.
Are You Overweight?
There are many ways to determine if a person is overweight, but experts believe that a persons body mass index (BMI) is the most accurate measurement of body fat for children and adults. It is the standard measurement of choice for many health professionals. BMI calculators for both adults and children can be found on the web site of the Department of Health And Human Services, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/.
Childhood Obesity
For the most part the growing epidemic of childhood obesity results from poor eating habits together with poor exercise patterns. Unless it is controlled, childhood obesity can lead to life-threatening conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, cancer, and other disorders. The country is beginning to recognize childhood obesity as a major public health epidemic that will incur substantial costs to the nation. Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. For some overweight teens, insulin resistance may progress to diabetes (high blood sugar).
Diabetes - A Major Concern
The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of some diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Obese women are particularly susceptible to diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased risk of several major cancers, especially post-menopausal breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Medications
As in other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, long-term use of prescription medications may be appropriate for some people. Weight-loss medications should always be combined with a program of healthy eating and regular physical activity. Appetite-suppressant medications promote weight loss by decreasing appetite or increasing the feeling of being full. Although most side effects of prescription medications for obesity are mild, serious complications have been reported. Lifestyle changes are always recommended as a first line of defense.
Summary
Obesity is now one of the most common nutritional problems in the United States. Millions of overweight individuals in the United States are at increased risk for obesity-related problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. The remarkable increase in the prevalence of obesity among children and youth in the United States over a relatively short time span represents one of the defining public health challenges of the 21st century.
Gerry Marsh is a successful author and publisher of self-improvement web sites. Further information and resources on obesity and its control can be found on the authors site at Guide To Help Teenagers Lose Weight is available for free download.
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