OBESITY.
As the fast food industry has successfully "supersized" their
meals and bankrolls, they have done the same for the American body, both young
and old. Our nation has become 20 percent heavier in the past decade and some
health experts have deemed this a pandemic, which is a widespread epidemic of
illness. It not only affects our health, but the airline industry has had to
recently recalculate weight loads that an airplane can handle! Our nation is
headed for a health care crisis, with obesity being a major cause of several
debilitating and life-threatening illnesses.
How is obesity defined? Obesity is defined as an excess
of body fat mass. There are numerous ways that this can be determined, but a
simple way is to calculate
Body Mass Index (BMI). This can be determined by using a chart or done on your
own using a proven formula. If you wish to calculate this on your own, multiply
your weight in pounds by 703. This number should then be divided by your height
in inches two times.
A BMI of less than 25 is normal, 25-30 indicates that one is overweight, and
greater than 30 indicates obesity. Medical studies have shown that patients with
a BMI greater than 30 have an increased risk for several health problems.
Is there an obesity pandemic in America? Yes! Overall,
Americans are at least 20 percent heavier than they were in the 1980s. A major
health care issue is
the increase in obesity in our youth. American youths' rate of obesity has increased
25 percent in the past 10 years. Pediatricians have begun to focus on this health
maintenance issue because unfortunately, this weight gain in children and adolescents
has translated into a weight gain as adults.
Recent studies have shown that obese 10- to 13-year-olds have an 80 percent chance
of becoming obese adults. This has tremendous health implications for our adult
population.
What are the risks of obesity? It has been clearly
defined in medical literature that obese individuals are at risk for other health
problems. This includes diabetes,
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, arthritis
and a poor quality of life. One can see that many of these diseases are known
to be major risk factors for the development of heart disease. We have done a
good job of identifying issues around heart disease, but we need to look closer
at obesity.
What can I do? It is important to realize that overweight
children may turn into overweight adults. We need to develop healthy eating habits
in our children and
youth. A well-balanced diet includes balanced portions of protein, carbohydrates
and fats. Children also need to be taught the importance of healthy eating. Foods
high in sugar content, such as sodas and fruit drinks, should be discouraged.
Eating habits should be monitored and frequent snacking avoided.
In addition, exercise has been essential in the prevention of obesity. Studies
have shown that children of parents that exercise also develop those healthy
exercise habits. Parents need to set good examples for their children by maintaining
an active lifestyle. Encourage children to participate in physical activities
and athletics, and limit the time they spend in front of the television, video
games and computer.
How can we help our youth? As adults, we need to create
a safe home food environment. Reduce the consumption of fast foods by limiting
this to a maximum of one time
per week. Encourage the consumption of water over soft drinks. Provide appropriate
food portions and don't encourage children to clean their plates. It is also
important to educate children on healthy foods and alternatives to candies and
sweets.
In addition to good eating, encourage children to be physically active. Create
an environment for active play inside and outside the home. Limit television
and computer time to a couple hours per week. Provide physical activity alternatives
on a daily basis and reserve a weekend day for some physical activity.
Overall, providing a safe and healthy environment for children will help them
develop good habits for a lifetime. These simple steps may help us reverse the
unfortunate trend of increasing weight, obesity and chronic preventable diseases.
