Obesity

Is Obesity a Problem?

If you are overweight think clearly about how you feel. Do you feel physically well? Do you feel emotionally well? What part of your day is most difficult for you? Have you been overweight for most of your life? Do you realize biological, psychological, and environmental factors that may influence your weight and health? These questions, among many others, are essential questions to ask of yourself when you are ready to confront or assess your weight, emotional health, and physical health. If you are overweight or obese — now is the time to explore your health and expectations for a higher quality of life.

You are not alone. One-third of Americans were obese in 2011[2]. Nearly 150 billion dollars was invested in obesity-related illnesses in 2008[3]. Today, the statistics are much more alarming. Roughly 34.9% of Americans over age 20 were obese in 2014[4]. Preventable deaths directly related to obesity accounted for roughly 300,000 deaths in 2014[5]. Three out of 4 children who are overweight or obese are likely to develop high blood pressure and risk severe coronary artery disease. By age thirty the same children will develop deadly obesity-associated diseases and disorders. Many associated disorders, illnesses, and diseases are directly connected to obesity. Mood disorders, like depression, are common among people who are obese. Regional location statistics reveal that states with higher rates of depression also have high rates of obesity[7].

How to Reverse Obesity?

These statistics may sound alarming—and they should be. The good news is that most children and adults can reverse many of the symptoms and obesity-associated diseases and disorders by eating a better diet and participating in regular exercise. One of the very first steps to take in order to fight early-onset obesity is to take a very close look at daily food consumption. Ask one very important question of the foods you or your children are eating daily — what is this food doing to my health and body? Answering this question can start you and your family off on the right track to identifying foods or eating habits that can sabotage heart health, ideal body weight, and, ultimately your life. Next, write down the foods you and your family eat throughout the day and week. How often are fried foods, high sugar foods, and processed foods eaten daily? Begin your new plan by writing down your ‘point of origin.’ This means that it is very important to know where you are before asking where you must ‘go.’ Detailed information about your family’s daily diet can help a qualified coach, dietitian, or medical doctor make healthy dietary suggestions. Having a clear picture of your current eating behavior can help you to make clearer choices for better, healthier, eating and living.

Learn About Obesity and Exercise

Exercise is a must. There is no way around becoming more active if you are trying to live a healthier life. Combining and employing strategies of better eating, daily activity or exercise, and positive thinking and reinforcement is clearly the strongest way to improve physical and mental health. Start with activity or exercise that does not interfere with any current physical limitations you or your family member may have. Of course, always seek the guidance of your medical doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise program.

Armed with information and help, we can prevent illness, disease, disorder, guilt and emotional pain related to obesity in children and adults. Please visit our website often for more tips, suggestions, videos, and articles offered to help you lose weight, reverse obesity, and build a healthy lifestyle for your entire family.