Since about the 1970s in the United States, the prevalence of obesity has increased in both men and women, in all ages and in all races. Now, almost 69 percent or more than two-thirds are either overweight or obese. One study reported that Americans burned 130 calories per day less at work in 2010 than they did in 1960.There is considerable variation among different races.

Caucasian men: highest prevalence of overweight

Hispanic men: Highest prevalence of class 1 and class 2 obesity.

Black men: Highest prevalence of extreme obesity.

Hispanic women: Greatest prevalence of being overweight.

Black women: Greatest prevalence of being obese and extremely obese.

Effective Weight loss involves making beneficial lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity. First let us understand basic facts about obesity, its risks and the importance of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Obesity: It is defined as an increase in percent body fat. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a threefold approach to assess health risks due to increased weight:

1. Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
2. Measure your waist circumference.
3. Know your medical history.

For most people, weight correlates with percent body fat. But this is not always the case. For example, body builders may have high weights and high BMIs, but they are not at increased health risk because their percent body fat is low.

First find out your BMI because as BMI increases, your health risks increase.

1.You’re underweight if you have a BMI of less than 18.5

2. Your BMI is normal if it’s between 18.5 to 24.9

3. You are overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9

4. Obesity is divided into three classes:

Class 1 Obesity: BMI 30 to 34.9

Class 2 Obesity: BMI 35 to 39.9

Class 3 Obesity: BMI greater than 40

WAIST MEASUREMENT: This is an indicator of how body fat is distributed. It is described as Apples and Pears.

Apples: People who carry their weight around the middle of their body. In general, men tend to be apples.

Pears: People who carry their weight around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. In general, women tend to be pears.

In general, people who are apple-shaped have higher health risks than those who are pear-shaped. If you carry your weight around the middle of your body, you’re at greater risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders and heart disease. Apple-shape contributes to the distribution of visceral fat nearer to liver, resulting in the high concentrations of free fatty acids and increased insulin resistance.

Do not underestimate your waist circumference. Highest health risks are associated with a relatively low BMI yet a high waist measurement.

FAMILY HISTORY: Take some time to look into your family history. If you have a family history of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea. This can put you at an increased health risks and you should take measures to control your weight.

HEALTH COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY 

1.Diabetes mellitus

2.High blood pressure

3.Dyslipidemia

4.Stroke

5.Most cancers (Risk of lung disease increases with increasing weight)

6.Obstructive sleep apnea (one of the most underdiagnosed conditions related to obesity)

7. Degenerative disc disease and arthritis

8.Gallbladder disease

9.Heartburn

10.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

11.Infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome

12. varicose veins

Weight Loss

Losing and maintaining weight will help treat and even prevent the conditions associated with increased weight. You can decrease blood pressure by losing weight.

Please visit our clinic and talk to Dr.Paul Kattupalli about our Medical Weight Loss Program. Thank you.