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Approximately 119 million Americans, or 64.5 percent, of adult Americans are either overweight or obese. It is becoming an epidemic that is getting out of control.
Are you ready, willing, and able to change?
To succeed at making lifestyle changes you need to answer YES to the question, "Are you ready, willing, and able to change?" |
The experts say that for people to change, making the change must be important to them. In other words, you must have good reasons to change. For example, maybe you want to live long enough to see your grandchildren grow up. You must have more reasons to change than reasons not to change. The experts also say that you must be confident -- believe that you can change.
To succeed, take what you want to do and break it down into small steps. Then think about a few things you are ready, willing, and able to change. Leave other habits that you don't feel ready, willing, and able to change for another time.
Defining Overweight and Obesity
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.
- An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
- An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
See the following table for an example.
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Height
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Weight Range
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BMI
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Considered
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5’ 9”
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124 lbs or less
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Below 18.5
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Underweight
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125 lbs to 168 lbs
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18.5 to 24.9
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Healthy weight
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169 lbs to 202 lbs
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25.0 to 29.9
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Overweight
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203 lbs or more
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30 or higher
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Obese
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- The individual’s waist circumference (because abdominal fat is a predictor of risk for obesity-related diseases).
- Other risk factors the individual has for diseases and conditions associated with obesity (for example, high blood pressure or physical inactivity).
Health Consequences
Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
Is there a quick answer to the question, "what contributes to overweight and obesity?"
- Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity.
- Body weight is the result of genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status.
- Behavior and environment play a large role causing people to be overweight and obese. These are the greatest areas for prevention and treatment actions.
Please contact the Healthier You today and set up your appointment for a healthier lifestyle
Jennifer Bianchi DTR (Dietetic Technician Registered)
425-770-0797
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