Weighing the Health Risks of Obesity
Maya Patel, M.D., Internal Medicine
Obesity can do more than keep you from wearing the latest fashions or force you to pay for an extra airline seat. "Being obese can be a serious health risk," says Maya Patel, M.D., internist on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. "It's a growing problem in our society today."
Some researchers contend that obesity will dramatically lower life expectancies in the near future, reversing a decades-long progression toward longer lives. Being overweight or obese may also increase your chances of developing:- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, leading to greater risk
of heart attack and stroke. - Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to blindness, kidney failure and circulation problems, as well as increase the risk of heart disease.
- Osteoarthritis, as extra weight creates more pressure on the joints.
- Some cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial and prostate cancer.
- Sleep apnea, leading to fatigue and, in severe cases, heart disease.
- Depression, often due to poor body image.
A Look at a Growing Trend
Despite Americans' apparent obsession with being thin, we are getting heavier each year. In fact, the average adult weighs 25 pounds more today — at just one inch taller — than the average adult did in 1965. About 65% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. And 16% of children age 6 to 19 years are overweight, triple the percentage in 1980.
"Some Americans have sluggish metabolisms that make them gain weight more easily than average, but it's a small percentage," says Dr. Patel. "For most of us, putting on extra pounds is simply due to poor lifestyle choices." The extra weight can be attributed to:
Bigger portions. Fast-food restaurants offer giant-size meals at incremental price increases.Hidden calories. Restaurant and prepackaged foods often have higher levels of sugar, fat and calories than homemade meals.
Less activity. Compared with previous generations, adults and children today spend more time watching television and playing video games than walking or playing outside.
For More Help
Obese individuals who have tried and failed to lose weight and who are suffering from health problems may want to discuss surgical options for weight loss. If you need assistance with a diet and exercise program, consult your health care provider or for a referral to Dr. Patel, call 281-274-7500.
Obese individuals who have tried and failed to lose weight and who are suffering from health problems may want to discuss surgical options for weight loss. If you need assistance with a diet and exercise program, consult your health care provider or for a referral to Dr. Patel, call 281-274-7500.
The not-so-secret way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight is to eat less and exercise more. Here are some tips:
Reduce portion sizes. Avoid value-type meals at restaurants. Resist second helpings by putting away extra food as soon as the meal is served. Find tips on serving sizes at the American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org.
Eat nutrient-dense foods. Foods that offer a lot of nutrition and fiber but fewer calories will help you feel full longer. "Think raw fruits and vegetables, soups (but not cream soups), or a handful of almonds or walnuts," Dr. Patel says. "Avoid fatty and fried foods, and choose low-fat dairy products."
Step up activity. "Incorporating physical activity into your daily life can make a significant difference," Dr. Patel says. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park the car and walk as much as possible. Consider wearing a pedometer and keeping track of your steps. Watch less TV.
Be a good role model. If your children see you packing down the sweets and chips, they're likely to follow your bad example. Provide healthful snacks such as fruit, raw vegetables with dip and low-fat yogurt. Encourage family hikes, bike rides and swims.
