In America today obesity has reached epidemic status and has become a public health crisis. In the 2017 – 2018 year 42% of Americans were obese compared to 30% in the year 1999 - 2070 and 70% of all Americans are considered to be overweight. The estimated annual medical costs of obesity was $147 billion in 2008 and medical costs for the people who had obesity was $1,479 higher than the cost for people with healthy weight. (CDC)
For clarification of weight related terms:
overweight is defined as a body mass index(BMI) of 25 to less than 30
obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
Morbid or severe obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or higher
Obesity is now classified as a distinct disease and is associated with an increased risk of premature death, type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, asthma, cancer (uterus, colon and kidney) and depression. (Surgeon General's Report)
So what can be done to prevent obesity? A good start is, providing information and tools to medical decision-makers at the governmental, organizational, community, family and individual levels who will create change is essential for decreasing overweight and obesity.(Surgeon General)
Lifestyle medicine involves the implementation of daily habits and actions that can prevent and treat obesity. Weight management is a function of balancing energy such that energy expenditures(out) is greater than energy consumption(in). A mostly plant-based, low-fat, nutrient-rich diet will avoid the excess calories associated with processed and highly refined foods. Also try to eat small frequent balanced meals and snacks throughout the day.
Is is also important to drink water and avoid the calories associated with sugary drinks and even limit juice consumption. The calories associated with liquid drinks other than water can accumulate quickly over the course of the day and challenge your weight management goals.
Regular exercise is another important lifestyle habit that can prevent obesity. Aim for 30 minutes a day or 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise. This contributes greatly to energy expenditure by burning calories. Aerobic exercise is any sustained activity that increases the need for oxygen so something as simple as walking can be sufficient for this positive behavioral change.
The beauty of a Lifestyle Medicine approach to preventing and treating obesity is that unlike many other weight loss regimens, it is purely natural and organic bypassing the need for medications, surgery, herbs and supplements. If you want to know more details about weight management fill out our contact form on the website.
Comments