Obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects almost one-third of all Americans, children and adults. It is the second leading cause of unnecessary deaths, yet due to social discrimination research, insurance and healthcare are severely limited. Obesity is also a leading cause for breast, colon, cervix, ovary and prostate cancer; diabetes Type II; gallstones; high blood pressure and cholesterol; heart disease; osteoarthritis; and stroke.
The two primary causes for being obese are overeating and inactivity. Americans eat too much and are not active enough. The extra fat accumulated in our bodies is the result of extra calories that are stored instead of burned up. Obesity is also affected by family (genetic history), metabolism, race and age.
Defining Obesity
Healthcare professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether or not a person is overweight or obese. This formula calculates the total body fat by dividing a person’s body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. Or take your weight in pounds, divide that number by your height in inches squared, and multiply the result by 703. Easier yet, simply use one of the BMI calculators online.
Obesity Treatment
Losing weight is the one means of overcoming obesity. Weight loss also improves the related health conditions by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of cancer and diabetes.
To lose and manage your weight, healthcare professionals recommend a number of therapies:- Dietary therapy involves reducing a person’s calorie intake through dietary adjustments.
- Physical therapy is a daily regimen of physical activity that results in weight loss. Behavior therapy promotes weight loss and management through changing both diet and daily physical activities.
- Drug therapy utilizes prescription drugs for weight loss and maintenance.
- Obesity surgery is used for long-term weight control to limit the amount of food that can be eaten by reducing the stomach and/or intestines.
Bariatric Products
Homecare Bedroom: Mobility:Obesity Resources
American Obesity Association
202-776-7711
www.obesity.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center (NHLBI)
800 575-9355
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity
NHLBI’s BMI Calculator
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm
The National Women’s Health Information Center
(Office of Women’s Health, Dept. Of Health and Human Services)
800 994-WOMAN
www.4woman.gov/faq/obesity
The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/default.htm