Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

An estimated 67% of American adults 20 and older are overweight or obese. Obesity has taken center stage as one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. with even First Lady Michelle Obama launching the “Let’s Move” campaign earlier this year to fight childhood obesity.

Research has shown being overweight or obese in late adolescence can increase the risk of death in adulthood. The higher risk is also found in obese people over the age of 65 and adults who have a high waist circumference or a high waist-to-hip ratio.

Meanwhile, a new National Cancer Institute study found women who had a normal body mass index (BMI) at age 20 and gained at least a pound through the decades, had nearly doubled the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause compared to women who kept their weight steady.

Other health conditions linked to untreated obesity include:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
• Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, complications during labor and deliver, malformations of the baby
• Type 2 diabetes
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones
• Worsening arthritis symptoms
• Joint problems, back pain
• Increased risk of certain cancers

Many of the complications linked to obesity are almost also preventable. But weight loss cannot be a gimmick or quick fix; it has to be part of a lifestyle change. Your physician may recommend:

• Diet
• Exercise program
• Behavior therapy
• Weight loss programs
• Medication
• Weight loss surgery

Before beginning any exercise or diet plan, you should consult a physician. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse hotline at 1-866-442-2362 for a doctor referral, or for more information about Plantation General Hospital log onto www.plantationgeneral.com.