Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese Americans continues to rise. In fact, 30 per cent of adults over age 20-more than 60 million people-are obese, which means they are 30 pounds overweight and have a BMI, or body mass index (a measure of body fat), of more than 30.
Obesity Is On The Rise
One of the National Institutes of Health goals is to reduce obesity among adults by more than half by the year 2025. However, current data suggests that the situation is getting worse. Due to rising rates of childhood obesity, life expectancy for the average American could decrease by two to five years over the next few decades unless significant efforts are made to slow down the rising rates of obesity.
What's more, obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and other serious health complications:
- Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Having these disorders simultaneously is a condition called metabolic syndrome, which can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and kidney disease.
- High blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease, is twice as common in obese adults than in those who are at a healthy weight.
- Obesity can also lead to arthritis, caused by stress on your joints.
A Likely Trigger For Heart Disease
Obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are common risk factors for people with heart disease. Managing all these risk factors will help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What You Can Do Today
Overweight and obesity together represent the number two preventable cause of death in the U.S. after smoking. There are many things you can do to get your weight under control and to help manage your risk for heart disease:
- Develop a diet and exercise plan that you feel is realistic and can maintain.
- Talk to your doctor about medicines that may help control your risk factors for heart disease. If you are prescribed medications, take them exactly as directed and for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Resolve to make this year a healthier one-set a weight-loss goal, and stick with it.