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Obesity: Increased
body weight caused by the excessive accumulation of fat.
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Twenty years ago,
being overweight or fat held a social stigma related to appearance and
looks. We worried about fat children because it affected their
self-image and self-esteem. We worried about the social isolation that
being overweight caused both children and adults. The problem is now so
much bigger. In fact, much of the social stigma has been removed because
the incidence of obesity is so prevalent in our society and after all,
we find comfort in numbers.
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of many
chronic and life threatening diseases such as the nation's number one
killer of both men and women--heart disease. Additionally, type 2
diabetes-- which used to be called adult onset diabetes--hypertension
(high blood pressure), gallbladder disease, high blood cholesterol and
osteoarthritis are all associated with obesity.
Unfortunately, children are at great risk of obesity
these days. Nationally, 15% of children under the age of 18 are
obese, and 30% are overweight. This means one child in five is
overweight and the complications from childhood obesity are just as
devastating for children as they are for adults. Type 2 diabetes
has been found in children as young as 6. Children can have hypertension
and high cholesterol. And yes, these complications can lead to heart
disease in children, as well. About 75% of overweight and obese
children will be overweight and obese adults.
It's not hopeless! By learning to observe a healthy
lifestyle, weight can be managed and many of these life threatening
diseases can be prevented in both adults and children.
- Know where you (and your children) fall
on the national weight charts and know what your
BMI (Body Mass Index) is and should
be. Your doctor is your best resource for personal health
information.
- Eat a primarily plant based diet filled
with fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy
products.
- Try having at least 2 meatless days
each week.
- Choose chicken or fish (feathers or
fins). These are high in protein and low in fat.
- Drink
water instead of sugary drinks and
sodas.
- If you are overweight, reduce the
amount of food that you eat. Even nutritious food can pack on weight
if you eat too much.
- Avoid junk and high fat foods.
- Don't super-size meals if you eat out.
Choose lower fat items like salads instead of high fat burgers.
- Eat sweets sparingly.
- Exercise daily.
- Remember that smoking also contributes
to life-threatening diseases. If you smoke, consider quitting and
don't smoke at home or in an enclosed space like a car if others are
with you. 55,000 people die each year as a result of complications
from second hand smoke.
- BE A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR CHILDREN.
Help them by taking care of yourself and showing them what a healthy
lifestyle is all about.
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