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The
prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults in the United
States increased markedly during the last decade. According to
NHANES III Data, almost 55% of the United States adults aged
20 years and older are either overweight or obese. Obesity is
a complex multifactorial disease that develops as a result of
interaction between genotype and the environment.
Obesity
accounts for almost 300,000 deaths in the United States and
costs a hundred billion dollars in terms of direct medical
expenses, disability, and lost productivity. As a result of
this chronic condition, it requires long term therapy. By
losing weight, people feel better as they decrease their risks
of developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease,
diabetes mellitus and other weight-related problems. Obese
individuals are unhealthy individuals who predispose
themselves to a short life span.
Obesity
can not be blamed solely on lack of willpower to control
eating and activity. Genetic factors are accountable, thereby
affecting energy metabolism and eating behaviors. Physical
activity and a balanced diet are the cornerstones for a
successful weight loss plan. Drug therapy, when used properly
can help people to stop gaining weight, and achieve long-term
weight loss. But at the present time, drug therapy can not be
recommended for routine use in all obese individuals. It is
helpful in carefully selected individuals.
The
environment is a major determinant of overweight and obesity.
Environmental factor influencing obesity is primarily related
to food intake and physical activity. In countries like the
United States, there is an overall abundance of palatable,
calorie-dense food, which are big in portions when served in
restaurants and public places. In addition, aggressive and
sophisticated food marketing in the mass media, super markets,
and restaurants, promote overeating. Many of our
socio-cultural traditions promote overeating. We in general
celebrate or mourn by consuming calorie-dense food, when
congregations take place.
Another
important factor contributing significantly to overweight is
the era of mechanization, which limits the necessity of
physical activity. People are entrenched in sedentary daily
routines consisting of sitting at work for long hours, sitting
in traffic in highways as a result of long commutes from home
to work place and sitting in front of the television or a
computer monitor for the most of their waking hours. Work
ethics in the United States promotes working at a fast pace
for long hours in the day and thereby encouraging reduced
physical activity which promotes obesity.
According
to experts, overweight is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI)
of 25 to 30 kg. per meter sq. and obesity is defined as a BMI
of more than 30 kilogram per meter square. A BMI of 30
indicates an individual is about thirty pounds overweight. BMI
is recommended as a practical approach for the assessment of
body fat in the clinical setting. It provides a more accurate
measure of total body fat. BMI is a direct calculation based
on height and weight, regardless of gender. The second
important measure for assessing body fat is the waist
circumference. This is the most practical tool for a physician
to assess overweight individuals. In men a waist circumference
of more than 40 inches and in women of more than 35 inches
denotes being overweight.
The following are recommendations for maintaining a
healthy lifestyle:
1.
A balanced diet is recommended to maintain a BMI of less than
25 kilograms per meter square. Fats should account for about
30 percent of calories in our daily diet. Five cups of fruits
and vegetables are recommended for daily consumption, as a
good source of dietary fiber. 64 fluid ounces of water are an
adequate amount per dietary recommendations.
2.
Physical activity for about thirty minutes for at least three
to five times a week is the current guideline for optimal
exercise. Making time to exercise should be a "must
do" in our daily routines.
3.
Encourage social activities that promote healthy lifestyles
like public gatherings for purposes of hiking or walking.
4.
Limit outside eating habits to a minimum, as prepared foods in
restaurants and public places are calorie-dense. Homemade
foods can be prepared in a healthy manner by restricting fat
content and reducing salt intake.
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