Overweightis Tempting Fate
Chad CollinsB. Sc., R.D/Nutrix Ltd.
Recent research has been devoted entirelyto the health consequences of overweight and obesity. This wasdone because these conditions are increasing at an alarming rateand contribute substantially to a variety of chronic health conditions.
A survey of almost 17,000 adults, chosenas a nationally representative cross-section of the U.S. population,was described in The Journal of the American Medical Association(October 27, 1999 issue of JAMA ).
Two-thirds of men and more than half ofwomen were overweight when defined as having a body-mass indexof 25 or more. BMI or Body Mass Index is an indicator of weightbased on height, with greater than 25 being associated with beingoverweight or obese as well as being associated with an increasedrisk for health problems.
For example, Type 2 diabetes was 13-18 timesmore common among the heaviest individuals: gallbladder diseasewas 5-21 times more common. High blood pressure was three timesmore prevalent: osteoarthritis was up to 30 times more common.
Among obese subjects, more than one adversehealth condition was much more likely. For most health conditionssurveyed, there was a linear gradient of risk, that is the greaterthe BMI or weight above ideal, the greater the health risk. Thisimplies that some reduction in weight will be beneficial; youdon't have to lose all the weight for a positive health effect.
If you believe your weight may be higherthan it should, there is no time like the present to educate yourselfon ways to help reduce your weight. In many cases, people eatin ways that actually make loosing weight more difficult, eventhough they are reducing their calorie intake.
Understanding concepts such as the basicsof a healthy diet for good nutrition, combining food types soyou feel full longer, eating to keep your blood sugars stableso your body will burn more calories and other strategies, helppromote an environment that makes weight loss less of a challenge.
Many people actually do things that makeweight loss more difficult, and often restrict themselves muchmore than they have to. This often leads to poor nutrition andconsequently feeling unwell and being more susceptible to colds,flus and other infections.
Understanding how to eat to both maximizeyour nutrition and your body's ability to lose weight, along withregular physical activity, is one of the best investments youcan make in your future health.
Chad Collins, B.Sc.,R.D.
Registered Dietitian
Nutrix Ltd., 946-8749