Obesity Is Now An Epidemic In Our Country

by Dr. Brett L. Lukert, DC

Obesity is a very scary and very real epidemic that is currently ravishing our country. It is a major risk factor in more than 30 serious health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer, congestive heart failure, stroke, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, back pain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400,000 people have died annually from obesity since the year 2000. Obesity is now the second leading preventable cause of death, behind smoking.

What is obesity?

There is a difference between being overweight and being obese. Overweight is defined as excess body weight, whereas obesity refers specifically to excess body fat. As was mentioned last month, 70 percent of Americans are overweight, and of these, more than one third are obese.

What causes obesity?

Obesity occurs over time when a person continually consumes more calories than he or she burns, and is the bi-product of an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle. Although genetic factors do influence how quickly or slowly our bodies metabolize food and burn calories, we still determine what we consume, and what types of activities we engage in. When we eat an abundance of processed, high-fat foods and do not make time for regular exercise, the inevitable result will be weight gain.

What can be done?

The good news is that obesity is very treatable. If we can maintain a healthy weight, we will decrease stress on our joints, lower total cholesterol, lower high blood pressure, lower levels of blood glucose, and raise levels of high density lipoproteins (good cholesterol). This, in turn, will improve our health and significantly decrease the risk for disease. It is recommended that you consult with your health care professional in order to formulate the safest, most effective plan for you.

Healthy tips to consider

•  Drink more water to increase metabolism.
•  Eat frequent, smaller meals throughout the day to maximize metabolic activity.
•  Minimize soft drinks, fruit drinks and coffee.
•  Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
•  Don’t skip breakfast.
•  Emphasize variety of exercise to prevent monotony.
•  Keep a journal to record activity and food in order to provide accountability.
•  Set goals and always write them down.
•  Keep it fun!