Weighing In on Obesity

Obesity is a public health crisis and growing prevalence in adults, adolescents, and children.

Let's talk statistics!

- In 2015 to 2016, the prevalence of obesity in men was 37.9 % and the prevalence of obesity in women was 41.1 %.

- From 1999–2000 through 2017–2018, the prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4%, and the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%.

- Non-Hispanic blacks (49.6%) had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, followed by Hispanics (44.8%), non-Hispanic whites (42.2%) and non-Hispanic Asians (17.4%).

- More than seven in 10 American adults ages 20 and up are either overweight or obese.

Obesity is a major contributor to poor health. It is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and cancer.

During an initial clinic visit for anyone who is overweight or obese, it is important to obtain a through history of physical exam and obtain measurements of fasting glucose (or HbA1c), lipid panel, and TSH.

How is it measured?

BMI = Body Mass Index.

An individual’s BMI is calculated as weight/height2, with weight being in kilograms and height being in meters

The WHO designations include the following:

- Underweight – <18.5 kg/m2

- Normal weight – ≥18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2

- Overweight - BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 - Obese- BMI of 30-39.9 kg/m2 - Morbidly Obese - BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2

Combating Obesity

Weight loss is associated with a reduction in obesity-associated morbidity!

How to combat obesity? Diet and Exercise. Data shows that a loss of 10% of body weight in person who are obese (BMI <40) experience SUBSTANTIAL health benefits. Healthy weight loss is considered to be 1-2 lbs a week. However, it can be more weight loss in a week for some.

Behavioral modification includes realizing your behaviors that contribute to obesity whether it is poor food choices, excessive food intake, or living a sedentary lifestyle. It takes being self awareness and making daily changes.

When setting a weight loss goal it is important to be realistic.

How can you start?

1. Start with your weight today and calculate your BMI (you use the above calculation or several BMI calculators online)

2. Finding a healthy lifestyle (“diet”) that works for you ( 1. Mediterranean Diet 2. DASH diet 3. Lower Calories 3. Lower Carbs 4. Intermittent Fasting

3. Physical activity for about 30 minutes daily for 4-5 days a week (Total of 150+ minutes in a week)

4. Make a small weight loss goal. (Losing 5-10lbs in a month)

5. Reward yourself when you reach that goal (Your small weight loss goals = Small rewards, Your main weight loss goal = Large reward) (For example, my small weight loss goal is new lipsticks ;))

6. SLEEP (Train yourself to sleep for 8 hours of sleep)

7. Last but not least talk to your physician before attempting to lose weight!

Make that change today or encourage someone else to!

Eat Healthy & Live Well.

All the best!

Dr. A