My thanks to the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) educators for the following important information.
Obesity is a serious and rising health epidemic in our country. You are not alone in this fight. It is estimated that nearly 93 million Americans are affected by obesity and that number is predicted to climb to 120 million within the next five years.
What Are the Risks Associated with Obesity?
Excess weight can be hard on your whole body. More than 50 health problems are related to excess weight and obesity. These health problems are diseases and conditions that can decrease your quality of life and are commonly called obesity-related conditions. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about these conditions.
- Not everyone with obesity will develop every obesity-related condition.
- The more weight you carry, the more likely you are to develop obesity-related conditions.
- Finding and treating health conditions early is best for your overall health.
- Weight-loss as small as 5-10% can reduce the effects of obesity-related conditions.
For more information on obesity-related conditions, please click here.
Treatment Options
To learn about treatment options for obesity, please click here.
Measuring my weight[1]
Many forms of measurement are used to assess obesity, with the most common one being Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared, following the formula BMI = kg/m2.
When measuring your weight, it’s important to remember that there is no perfect method for evaluating your weight status. Calculating your BMI does not replace clinical judgment. If you have any questions or concerns about your weight, you should discuss them with a healthcare provider.
Below, you will find a BMI calculator that you can use to determine your BMI and a weight chart to determine your weight status category. Please enter your correct information for an accurate classification.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about obesity that are constantly being spread around the world. Despite extensive research and studies, society has developed a toxic concept of obesity and most are not willing to learn the truth behind the complex and chronic disease.
While we don’t know everything that there is to know about obesity and weight management, spreading myths and misconceptions is harmful and damaging.
Here are some common myths and misconceptions about obesity:
“Obesity is not a disease”
Culturally, we tend to see obesity as a result of poor lifestyle choices and character flaws. This is simply not the case.
Obesity is a complex and chronic disease that should be taken as seriously as any other illness or disease. It is a medical problem that can increase one’s risk for other diseases and health problems and affects millions worldwide.
“Obesity is caused by poor diet and no physical activity”
There are many reasons that someone may be affected by the disease of obesity. While poor diet and lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity, they are not the only factors that can cause it.
Sometimes obesity can be caused by genetics, medication or even rare diseases. For example, some medications that are used to help someone with physical or mental illnesses may cause weight gain which can lead to obesity. There are also people who are genetically predisposed to obesity and may struggle with it from birth.
While diet and exercise certainly play a role in someone’s health, it is not the sole cause or treatment for obesity.
People are not only misinformed about obesity. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding nutrition which can affect one’s perception of obesity and obesity treatment. For example:
If you want to lose weight, the best way is through a diet low in carbs.
If you’re considering a diet that limits a specific food group, it’s probably not a plan that can be followed long-term. In other words, you might not be able to stick to it. Limiting fats, carbohydrates and protein may leave you lacking certain nutrients your body needs. Know that all foods can fit into your nutrition plan. Keep it balanced!
Eating one full meal a day will help you lose weight quickly.
While skipping meals will lead to temporary weight-loss, the results won’t stick. Limiting the amount of food, you consume doesn’t give your body the fuel it needs to function at its best. You won’t be able to perform daily functions the way you normally would. Skipping meals can also leave you with extreme hunger which can later result in over-indulgence and more calories. Instead, aim for at least three meals a day. A general rule of thumb is to eat every four to five hours with balanced foods. And if you’re hungry, grab a healthy snack to stay on-track.
By taking vitamins, you can get away with eating less-healthy foods.
Vitamins are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Instead, think of them as an insurance policy. If your balanced plate isn’t providing you enough of a certain nutrient, a multivitamin can make up for what’s missing. Aim for a variety of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains to give your body a leg-up.
[1] https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/measuring-my-weight/
Physically Fit Seniors 