INSIDE
Health Matters

by Virginia Lester

You have probably been reading in the newspaper and listening to TV news programs that we have a new national epidemic - obesity. I decided to chime in and write about some of my thoughts and concerns. This is a condition that deserves recognition and repetition.

Presently, experts in the field state that 60 percent of our population is overweight, up from 50 percent just ten years ago. An even more alarming statistic is that over 25 percent of our children and adolescents are overweight.

Weight-related medical conditions are currently the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and 33 percent with hypertension/cardiovascular disease is directly related to obesity. Ten years ago, Type 2 diabetes was virtually unknown in children and adolescents; however today obesity is responsible for almost 50 percent of new cases of pediatric diabetes. These figures will continue to increase rapidly if we all do not become proactive.

How do you know if you are overweight or obese? Body Mass Index (BMI) and visceral fat accumulation (waist circumference) are employed in the calculation of obesity.To find your BMI, log on to www.halls.md/body-mass-index/av.htm. A BMI over 25 is overweight and over 30 is obese. Waist circumference above 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men is a good indicator of central fatness and increased risks when accompanied with elevated BMI values. It also is a good guide for distinguishing between weight loss from fat or muscle mass.

Obesity is the result of long-standing imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, aided by a complex biological system that regulates appetite and favors intake. New knowledge about substances that stimulate or inhibit appetite offers hope that drug-based solutions will be found. Until these solutions materialize, we must employ a multi disciplinary approach of diet, exercise and behavioral modification.

Instead of “diets” people should make lifelong behavior and lifestyle changes regarding food choices: Eat a sensible array of various foods in moderation and exercise one hour three to four times per week. A simple rule is if food is packaged or processed, eat a very small amount. Be honest with yourself regarding the amount of food you are actually eating each day. Think of meat portions the size of a deck of cards. Studies have shown that generally people underestimate amounts by over 100 percent.

Support groups have been found to be more effective than single therapies. A new health promotion group at the clinic, Fit For Life meets every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend.