Fighting the Obesity Epidemic: Your Life Depends On It

Our nation is expanding, or should I say our nation’s waistlines are expanding. It’s a sad story. The figures are staggering, the death toll of Americans who are dying of preventable obesity related illnesses and is close to 400,000 a year. 400,000 people a year are dying because of what they are eating and the fact that they aren’t moving their bodies. Our bodies were designed to move, keeping them still and sedentary goes against nature itself! According to recent statistics for 2005 from the Center for Disease Control 25.4 % of U.S. adults 20 years and up were obese. Not just overweight… obese. This number is a significant increase from the 1997 figures which showed the obesity level of the American people to be at 19.4%. And the problem is just getting bigger…. No put intended. There are an estimated 93 million people in the U.S. who are obese and this number is expected to rise over the next few years to reach a possible 120 million people.

If you consider the number of people in the states who are overweight the numbers skyrocket even more. In 1999, 61% of adults in the U.S. were overweight or obese according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, if you consider that this number has grown at least as quickly as the percentages for obesity you cannot deny that this is a huge problem.

So what is the difference between being overweight and being obese? One of the most common methods for determining if you are overweight or obese is by finding your Body Mass Index (BMI). The number that you get is derived from a correlation between your height and weight. The basic guidelines for BMI are as follows: below 18.5 – Underweight, 18.5-24.9 – Normal, 25-29.9 – Overweight, 30+ Obese, 40+ Morbidly obese (at least 100 pounds overweight). The more overweight or obese you are the more at risk you are for a wide variety of diseases and even early death.

This is serious stuff. It’s not a laughing matter. The obesity rate in the states isn’t just affecting adults either. The numbers for children’s obesity levels are rising rapidly as well. Today there are well over 9 million adolescents who are overweight, these children and adolescents are at a much higher risk of developing obesity and morbid obesity. They are at a much higher risk for developing diseases early on in life. They are at more risk of being teased in school, being left out, and having low self confidence and poor self image.

The list of diseases that are obesity-related and in many cases preventable with healthy diet and exercise are many. They include but are not limited to: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer. Think of how losing weight can also improve orthopedic problems (the majority of people who are overweight and obese suffer from lower back pain, knee problems etc. simply due to all of the excess weight and pressure being placed on their joints). Think of how losing weight can improve self confidence, self image, decrease stress levels, and more importantly increase not only the quantity of life but also the quality of life.

So what are the causes of overweight and obesity? There are a few factors that are the predominant reasons for obesity. The number one factor is behavior. Behavioral choices such as what you choose to eat and what you choose to do for physical activity are the two biggest influences on whether or not you will be overweight or obese. We live in a society that revolves around food, it is available in massive quantities on nearly every street corner. Americans have become increasingly overindulgent and are consuming far more calories than their bodies need for a day. The calories that are being consumed tend to be very low in nutritional value, high in fats and sugars and in general just unhealthy. The choices that a vast majority of the American population is making when it comes to food are literally killing them. The choices that a huge population of Americans are making when it comes to using their bodies in the way they were intended, by moving and being physically active, are literally causing pre mature death in our country. An estimated 40% of Americans don’t participate in any kind of extra curricular physical activity. They lead sedentary lives.

The environment you live in contributes to your chances of being overweight or obese. This is why it is so important for parents to set a good example for their children by eating healthy and being physically active. The growing numbers of overweight and obese children is rising due to the fact that they are being raised in a sedentary environment. The environment of our country in general has made it easier for people to lead sedentary lives. You can drive your car instead of walking, no matter where you need to go. Many times you can get your food in a drive thru, you can take the elevator or escalator instead of the stairs, it’s less and less necessary for us as Americans to “move” our bodies. It’s no wonder that it is so tempting to take advantage of all these amenities to make life “easier”. But consider this, is life truly easier if you are suffering from overweight and obesity, if you have developed a number of diseases or conditions due to overweight and obesity, if you have to go and see the doctor more often, if it is painful to walk, if you can’t fit into your clothes, if you suffer from low self confidence and self image due to your weight. Do these things really make life “easier”?

The last predominant factor when it comes to obesity is genetics. Many people like to use genetics as the ultimate excuse for overweight and obesity. A lot of people will claim they have no control over their weight problem because it is genetic. Can obesity be genetic? The tendency towards obesity can be genetic, in these cases one must be even more diligent with their exercise and nutrition in order to prevent overweight and obesity to occur. When it comes down to it, only about 30% of obesity is related to genetics and around 70% is related to nutritional choices and behavioral choices when it comes to physical activity.

It’s truly not a laughing matter. This is a major issue that has to be addressed and changes have to be made. It’s not just about telling someone to lose weight or go on a crash diet though. For many people the root of the problem is emotional, food is filling a void in their lives. It is a comfort, it is a friend, eating is what the entire day revolves around. It’s important to address the underlying issues of overweight and obesity such as the “why” behind the overeating. Many people who have reached the point of being overweight or obese may feel that there is no hope, they may be frustrated which is just going to make the problem worse, not better. There is hope! Changes can be made, progress can be made, it isn’t a hopeless cause!

It’s time to take control of overweight and obesity in the states. It’s time to get physically active. It’s time to use your body the way it was intended to be used! It’s time to start moving. That doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a gym membership and pumping iron. If you are having trouble with being overweight or obese take baby steps towards developing a fit and healthy lifestyle. For example, start just by reducing the amount of calories you are taking in per day. Cut out one fattening snack or treat for the day, you would be amazed at how fast the calories add up just by cutting back slightly.

Start moving. If you enjoy walking or exercising start with small sessions of around ten minutes and increase from there. You can even think of starting to get more activity in your day by doing things like garden work, cleaning the house, taking your child out for a walk in the stroller, raking leaves, shoveling snow, washing the car. Whatever it may be just start moving, your life may literally depend on it! Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart. Let’s fight this battle against obesity with our whole hearts and we can prevail.

Diana Chaloux is the co-founder and owner of Destined 2 Be Fit (http://www.destined2befit.com). Diana is also a certified personal trainer through ACE, AFAA and FPI, a certified Fitness Coach through Wellcoaches, and NPC National Level Figure Competitor (http://www.dianachaloux.com) and Fitness Model.

Pediatric Obesity: A Look at the Epidemic

Obesity in America is at an epidemic level. It is a global issue and the statistics only prove that it continues to rise. The world’s children face the threats of this global obesity epidemic and the prevalence of obesity in children continue to rise. Over the last 30 years the number of overweight children has doubled. Over 30% of children ages 6-19 are considered overweight. Of these, 15% are considered obese. Unfortunately, excess weight and obesity in childhood has been found to be an indicator of obesity in adulthood and statistics further show that teenagers have an 80% probability of being obese in adulthood.

Beyond the numbers……

Beyond the statistics are real people facing this epidemic. Evan, a 10-year old from Wisconsin, is considered clinically obese. His mother, Janice, began to face the health risks that her son faced at this early age and took him to a specialist. Janice recalls that in addition to her son’s growing health problems, it was the constant teasing and cruel behavior from the other kids that began to make an impact on him socially. In addition to constant weight-gain, Evan began a behavioral decline in almost all social situations. He was an unhealthy 10-year old who had become withdrawn. His mother no longer saw the smile on her son’s face. The combination was devastating. The clinical findings shed some light on a potentially frightening future. Aside from the immediate health issues, Janice learned that her son was extremely deficient in key minerals and nutrients that protect children from childhood diseases and illnesses encountered in adulthood. Janice learned that Evan was not alone. A high percentage of obese children are found to be deficient in Vitamin D, which is a crucial vitamin involved in insulin resistance syndrome and is present in over half of overweight children and teens. Janice saw a life of constant struggle for her son in terms of his health. An immediate course of action was designed, and a new approach to re-nourish her child was introduced. In addition to pharmacological management to address his high cholesterol, Evan was started on a supplement to replace those nutrients he will need for his healthy future.

Obesity not only includes the extra weight, but clinical evidence shows that obesity in children leads to a multitude of health issues. Some of these health issues have only been seen in the adult population. Liver disease, heart disease, cancers, vascular disease, certain sleep disorders, orthopedic issues, and hypercholesterolemia have all presented in children who are obese. The statistics are overwhelming; approximately 25% of children who are considered obese have been shown to have high blood pressure. Obese children are almost 10 times as likely to have hypertension, and the link of diabetes to obesity is staggering. 85% of children diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes are obese.

To further the severity of the obesity epidemic in children, social issues add to the stigma. Children who are teased about their weight often develop social stigmas including low self-esteem and self-worth. Children are also at risk of developing eating disorders and clinical depression.

What can families do to prevent the future disease linked to pediatric obesity?

Most clinicians agree that the first step to addressing this issue is diagnosing the problem. Recognition that your child is obese may be the most important step in positive change. Other medical issues, such as hypothyroidism, should be ruled out before determining the appropriate plan of action. Once determined to be obese, or if a child begins to gain excess weight, family intervention is essential. A well-balanced program consisting of diet, exercise, behavior modification, supplementation, and possible pharmacological agents should be considered.

Can Pediatric Obesity be prevented?

The prevention of Pediatric Obesity may be aided by the following suggestions:

Avoid pre-packaged or pre-prepared foods high in preservatives, sugars, and fats.

Limit snack or junk foods kept in the home.

Provide foods for your child that are rich in fiber.

Provide foods for your child that have less than 30% of calories that are derived from fat.

Don’t offer foods as rewards.

Don’t negotiate with your child using food as a tool.

Limit “couch potato” behavior. Monitor the time your child watches TV and plays video games.

Plan family exercise.

The Pharmaceutical and Nutracuetical Approach

There are few pharmaceutical treatments approved for children. Some diet pills, such as Xenical, Didrex, and Bontril may be used in children as young as 12 years old. As with all medications, there have been some reported adverse reactions associated with these medications, although some are minimal. Over the counter (OTC) weight-loss products should be avoided at all costs when considering use by children. These products are not approved by the FDA and therefore do not provide the sense of security required by most parents.

What are the options?

When considering a plan for children, most clinicians suggest a systematic approach to weight-loss, which includes a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, positive emotional reinforcement, and follow up with physicians. One physician has taken this a step further. Considering the above approach valid, Dr. Henry Anhalt has designed a special formula based on his life work and the clinical findings of studies from around the world. Dr. Anhalt has designed a supplement to replace those nutrients and vitamins that been found to be deficient in many, if not all, obese and overweight children. The purpose for this design was to provide a great tasting vitamin and mineral chewable that children could take to replace these vital nutrients. Pediatric obesity can lead to multiple future diseases, as mentioned before.

Dr. Anhalt believes that by creating a positive supplement to be incorporated into a lifestyle program, he can help eliminate the potential for future disease of these children and give them a fighting chance. For example, Vitamin E, an important vitamin for heart disease and cancer prevention, is lower in obese children thus increasing their risks for complications like fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Dr. Anhalt’ formula, EssentiaLean(TM), addresses this deficiency and more. EssentiaLean(TM) is NOT a weight loss product. When preparing this article, Dr. Anhalt stressed that point. EssentiaLean(TM) was designed to provide families with a vitamin supplement geared specifically for the over weight child. As one of the world’s most renowned and respected Pediatric Endocrinologists, Dr. Anhalt has accepted the responsibility and challenge to educate the public and provide vitamin supplements and food products to help the pediatric population fight the epidemic of obesity. Dr. Anhalt has found that the most successful obesity treatments for children involve the entire family.

Whatever the approach, this is certain: Pediatric obesity is an epidemic. Treatment and prevention will require the effort of the entire family. There is help available in the form of healthy foods, exercise plan options, and supplements aimed at helping restore your child’s internal defenses. Children need this help in order to fight the battles they may face as adults if not addressed now.

Barbara Jensen is a Nutritionist specializing in Pediatric issues. Her main focus is Pediatric obesity and the health conditions that follow the child thru life. She is working on her first book due to be published in July, titled: Linking Pediatric obesity and adult disease. She continues to contribute to the many forums available concentrating on childhood issues surrounding obesity.

The Battle For Minimum Weight – Blacks and the Obesity Epidemic

Caught up in the frenetic grind of her fashion industry job, Allison Ferrell, 41, paid little attention to her increasing waistline. As Manager of Product Operation and Logistics for Abaete, a New York-based luxury apparel line, lunch was a luxury she couldn’t afford. She said she was crazed and I couldn’t spare the time so If I didn’t eat by 1:00 p.m. that was it for the rest of the day.

After a 2005 surgery left her stomach upset, she routinely avoided a litany of foods and routinely skipped meals. Her erratic eating habits kicked her body into pre-starvation mode. Believing it was starving, her body stopped burning calories and began to store food reserves causing an increase in body fat. I’d had a good run, but my negative habits were catching up with me and now it was time to take care of myself.”According to the American Council for Exercise, acceptable essential fat is 25-31% and obese is 32%; Ferrell measured almost 39%. Accustomed all her life to being thin, she was flummoxed by 23 pounds of extra fat.

Ferrell is hardly alone in her struggle to manage her weight. Plus sized women and strapping men are a celebrated norm within Black culture – the tacit acceptance of which is inhibitive to weight loss. From Thanksgiving and Easter dinners to barbeques and ho-downs, cooking and meal-sharing have been time-honored means of familial and communal bonding. Meals laden with fat, sugar, salt and cholesterol have long been cornerstones of traditional African American cuisine. While these foods are gastronomically appealing, they are detrimental to healthy living. It’s difficult to change habits that are ingrained in our history, explains, dietician and nutritionist and co-owner of living Proof in New York.

Some of the culturally defining foods in Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean, such as olive oil, grains and vegetables are heart healthy. What is natural for African Americans is further down the food chain of nutritious. The American Obesity Association estimates that approximately 127 million adults are overweight, 60 million are obese and 9 million are morbidly obese. The escalating phenomenon of obesity has become a national crisis and is nowhere more evident than in African American communities. Recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show nearly 51% of black women are obese and a whooping 78% are overweight – the highest of all ethnic groups – almost 30% are obese and 67% are overweight.

Considering body type and height variations, the standard scale fails to provide an accurate measurement of body weight. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used formula which uses weight and height measurements to assess total body fat and provides healthy weight ranges for all ethnicities. BMI is also an indicator of heightened risk for developing diabetes, heart disease and other obesity-related illnesses. A BMI of 19-24 is considered healthy. However, a BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight and 30 and higher is obese. The waist circumference measurement calculates abdominal fat and is often used in conjunction with BMI to determine weight related conditions. Despite glaring evidence, many blacks have a poor perception of weight and fail to recognize their weight as problematic. Dr. Ian Smith, medical and diet expert for VH1′s Celebrity Fit Club and ABC’s The View explains that this speaks to the core concept of self-definition and what we think we look like. To change the tide, he insists, the imperative is to change the cultural mindset that promotes and sustains the behavioral habits cause obesity. The curvaceous, full-figured body is the feminine ideal in Black culture.

Many Black women are resistant to weight loss because they equate maintaining a healthy weight with losing their curves and by extension their attractiveness. Dr. Ian says, “There is a tendency to sexualize weight. You can be on the plus side but still be healthy. We shouldn’t be defined by a condition that is damaging to our health, but instead by our courage, inner and outer beauty and our vigor for life.” Dr. Leggett offers another perspective. There is no conflict between being sexy and physical fitness. Because individuals are resistant to exercise, they convince themselves that being overweight is a paradigm for sexy.

While a variety of factors contribute to obesity and overweight, the root causes remain the same: lack of exercise and poor nutritional choices. Dr. Christopher Leggett, Director of Cardiology for Medical Associates in Georgia and one of the country’s foremost interventional cardiologist says that people enjoy sedentary lifestyle and the lack of dietary discretion in what, when and how much they eat, none of which is tempered by balance. Moreover, larger food portions, dependence on fast food and the barrage of media marketing by the food industry have played a major role in the erosion of overall health. Today’s historic numbers are also largely attributed to the double-edged sword of technological advancement.

The ease and simplicity of modern living made possible by computer and digital technology discourages physical activity and permeates every aspect of society: food delivery, surfing the internet, computer-based office jobs and play station. Dr. Ian explains that people are less inspired to move and this means calories sit on their bodies and become fat. In addition, relentless work demands – commuting, long hours, working through lunch – requires that the basic necessities of self-preservation are cast aside. As the singular head of the household, black women are often responsible for balancing home, work, childcare and sometimes education with little time to squeeze in exercise. Dr. Leggett refutes this claim saying that many women spend hours on beautifying their external appearance when they set aside thirty minutes each day for exercise. Until individuals become actively engaged in healthy living the medical consequences of obesity will continue to escalate.

The consequences of obesity present a smorgasbord of debilitating illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and certain cancers and have a domino effect on the body’s physiology. What has been commonly considered “a little sugar” has morphed into a runaway epidemic affecting an estimated 18 million Americans, with Blacks at a 1.6 greater risk of developing the disease than whites. It also has consequences of stroke, kidney failure, amputation and blindness, and ranks first in direct healthcare costs, consuming $1 of every $7 spent on healthcare. Dr. Leggett explains Obesity is the primary cause of Type II diabetes which increases the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, resulting in an 80% death rate from heart attacks. Excess abdominal fat is highly active. It expands, releasing chemicals that ensure its continued existence. This in turn creates a resistance to the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar. Increased insulin-resistance exhausts the pancreatic gland resulting in high blood sugar levels, which sets the stage for diabetes.

The cardio-vasculature of the body is impacted by elevated cholesterol and lipids in the blood. A build-up of Low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) and other food slush form plaque within the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. This deposit eventually narrows the opening of the blood vessels that supplies organs with oxygen and nutrients. Dr. Leggett says that rupture of the arteries causes kidney and spinal chord stroke, in the coronary arteries causes heart attacks and in the carotid arteries, stroke or thrombosis, an obstruction of blood flow throughout the circulatory system. Blockages in the lower extremities often cause poor circulation, joint pain and even amputation.

With 45% of women and 42% of men twenty years or older suffering from the condition, African Americans have the highest rate of hypertension in the world. Research conducted by the National Obesity Association indicates that hypertension occurs 9% more frequently in obese individuals. Poorly controlled hypertension leads to stroke, which is the third cause of death and the primary reason for disability. As fat increases, so does the demand for oxygen and nutrients. The upsurge of blood circulating throughout the body adds pressure to the artery walls causing them to narrow and stiffen, resulting in an enlarged heart, stroke and kidney disease.

An American Cancer Society study shows that up to 90,000 cancer deaths annually can be attributed to obesity and overweight. Increased production of insulin and estrogen stimulates the growth of cancer cells. In women, obesity is related to elevated risk of uterine, breast, cervix, ovarian, renal cell and endometrial cancers; in men, with colon and prostate cancers. The high incidence and virulence of obesity-related diseases are exacerbated by lack of preventive care and appropriate health screenings. Dr. Ian posits that Blacks tend to visit the doctor later and by then these illnesses are less treatable and curable and the body is weakened. That’s why whether it’s talking to your physician or going to a free clinic, we must become more proactive about our own health.

An unspoken consequence of obesity is the double jeopardy of weight discrimination within the healthcare industry. Doctors’ subjective opinion and prejudice negatively impacts medical treatment, care and outcome. A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine shows discrimination in treatment of kidney failure, cancers and heart disease, despite the fact that these illnesses are more egregious in blacks than in whites. A physician may withhold treatment or a procedure, which may be optimal, based on latent feelings that the obese patient is lazy, lacks discipline and self-respect or will not follow the prescribed regimen.

With a distressing 30% of children ages 6-19 overweight and 15% obese, the prevalence of childhood obesity has skyrocketed over the past twenty years, ensuring a future wave of chronic, obesity related diseases, diabetes, hypertension and other ailments. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the probability of an obese child becoming an obese adult increases approximately 20% at four years old to 80% by adolescence. Alarmingly, African American girls across all socio-economic levels have the highest incidence: of ages 6-11, 38% are overweight and 22% are obese; ages 12-19, 45% and 27% respectively.

The calamitous combination of super-sized fast foods, video game culture and physical inactivity, enabled by parental complicity has swept the tide of childhood obesity to unprecedented heights. The typical adolescent diet is comprised of fats, cholesterol, sugar, Trans fat and devoid of fruits and vegetables; beverages are carbonated and loaded with high fructose corn syrup. Nutritionist Lisa Jubilee maintains there are numerous ways parents can set better examples for children. She says if you must eat fat food, skip the fries sometimes, get a smaller size or choose a salad. Instill the habit of eating a fruit as an after-school snack or have one with cereal in the morning.”

Today’s children are the most inactive in history, largely owing to the pervasiveness of stationary entertainment such as Play station and X box games and video television. Urbanization and the reduction of physical education in schools have resulted in the frequency and decline of exercise. The American Academy of Pediatrics report shows that 25% of children 8-6 years watch at least four hours of television daily and having a television in the bedroom is a strong indicator of obesity development, even in preschool-aged children. Inner city children are purportedly hindered by the inability to walk or bike safely to school or play outside later. Moreover, many lack the means and the inclination to venture outside the familiar confines of their neighborhood and into suburban or rural environs.

Children are becoming fatter at a younger age, Dr. Leggett observes. Some are presenting early sign of heart disease and blood vessel damage. But you can’t blame them when parents are supposed to be in charge of the food environment. The list of obesity-related illnesses in children is comparable to adults’. Hypertension occurs 9% more frequently in obese children and doctors have also observed signs of heart disease. In 1997, the growing number of children with environmentally-influenced diabetes prompted a name change from adult-onset to Type 2 diabetes. Excess weight also triggers bronchial spasms, the hallmark of asthma. Other consequences include sleep apnea, orthopedic complications and delayed menstruation in girls. The psychological effects are immensely damaging and often persist into adulthood. Obese children experience social alienation and teasing which become catalysts for depression, eating disorder and high risk behaviors.

Make no mistake – being fat costs. Obese and overweight individuals can expect higher medical expenses and insurance premiums, tend to earn less and create less wealth in their lifetime. As the country faces a burgeoning healthcare crisis, the medical cost of obesity-related illnesses is an estimated $93 billion, 85% of which is covered by government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. The cost to each tax payer is $180 annually. Routine care for preventive, diagnostic and treatment services can reach $7,000 in yearly out-of-pocket expense. Decreased productivity, absenteeism, sick days, disability and restricted movements are costly to both workers and employers. Weight penalty is also exacted through social stigmatization and impediments to career advancement. Many experience difficulty finding employment, securing a promotion or a coveted assignment based on the belief that they are lazy and weak-willed.

Is it possible to halt the upward trend of obesity? Healthcare experts agree that education and moderation are keys to incorporating healthy habits into daily living. Despite the promises of diet pill pushers and the growing popularity of bariatric and gastric bypass surgeries, the surest solution to weight loss remains diet and lifestyle changes. Jubilee, who requires clients to keep a food journal, formulates eating plans tailor-made for the lifestyle and needs of the individual. She suggests that individuals begin by walking every day and introduce new, wholesome foods into your diet so you can live longer than your forefathers. For Ferrell, she suggested different ways to prepare old favorites such as baking instead of frying and minimizing the amount of batter used to make biscuits. Small steps are necessary to make the big changes that will sustain weight loss. Ultimately, African Americans have the means and opportunity to overcome the tide of obesity and overweight by setting new, grander examples of healthy living for this generation and the next.

Author Denise A. Campbell is the Founder and Creative Director of GoldenPen Writing Ink, a multifacted writing and communication service.
Originally published for http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2007/07/01/battle-for-minimum-weight/

Common Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity is not only a dangerous health condition – it creates and complicates many additional health problems for its sufferers. As a result, obese individuals (those with a body mass index above 30) have a 50-100% greater risk of premature death compared to individuals with a healthy body weight. Furthermore, as body weight goes up, so does the potential for health problems and the risk of premature death. We will now review some of the most common health risks associated with obesity. However, we will also analyze the ways in which weight loss can not only reduce the risk of premature death and certain diseases, but also improve upon many secondary health conditions associated with obesity.

Heart Disease

The prevalence of many types of heart disease – including heart attack, congestive heart failure, angina or chest pain and abnormal heart rhythm – is greatly increased for individuals that are overweight or obese. In fact, obese individuals have a 70% increase chance of coronary artery disease. High blood pressure is also twice as common in obese individuals. Additionally, triglyceride (blood fat) levels are typically elevated in those suffering obesity, while HDL cholesterol – known as the ‘good cholesterol’ – is often present in lower amounts.

Stroke

Obese individuals have a 75% increased risk in having a stroke, as obesity is often considered a dangerous secondary risk factor for stroke. One of the most common causes of stroke is the condition known as atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to arterial blood clots. As atherosclerosis is worsened by a combination of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of exercise and smoking; obese individuals are often at greater risk for stroke.

Diabetes

Studies have shown that a weight gain of just 11-18 pounds can double an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And over 80% of diabetes sufferers can be classified as overweight or obese, so there is a longstanding association between obesity and diabetes. Moreover, obese individuals have a 400% increased risk in developing diabetes.

Cancer

Obesity has been shown to place individuals at increased risk for several types of cancer, including cancers of the colon, gallbladder, prostate and kidneys. In overweight and obese women, the risk of endometrial cancer (a cancer developing in the lining of the uterus) and postmenopausal breast cancer are also increased. In fact, women that gain more than 20 pounds between age 18 and midlife are at twice the risk for postmenopausal breast cancer than women that maintain their weight throughout their adult years.

Gallbladder Disease and Gallstones

The prevalence of gallbladder disease and gallstones is about three times greater in obese individuals. It is also believed that the risk of symptomatic gallstones is directly related to an increase in weight and body mass index (BMI).

Reproductive Complications

In regards to the effects of obesity on pregnant mothers and newborn infants, expectant parents should be aware of several possible complications. Firstly, infants born to obese mothers are more prone to high birth weight. As a result, overweight and obese mothers are forced to undergo a higher rate of Cesarean section deliveries. Obesity has also been linked to a higher prevalence of birth defects, especially neural tube defects such as spina bifida, and complications during the labor and delivery stages. Most startlingly, obesity has been shown to increase the risk of death for mothers and infants during pregnancies and increase the risk of high blood pressure in expectant mothers by nearly 10 times.

For women that are not pregnant but may become pregnant, obesity can cause women to experience irregular menstrual cycles and even infertility. Women that are overweight or obese should also be aware that pregnancy can also place them at higher risk of gestational diabetes.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders are more common in obese individuals than persons with healthy body weight. In fact, studies have shown that for each 2-pound increase in body weight, overweight and obese individuals experience a 9-13% greater risk for arthritis and similar ailments.

Depression

Many overweight and obese people suffer from depression and other psychological or emotional problems. The feelings of unattractiveness, isolation, frustration and failure, which are sometimes at the heart of such depression, can be emphasized when an individual experiences rejection or any type of discrimination in a work, school or social setting. Overall, many overweight and obese individuals suffer from a reduced quality of life, caused not only by numerous health concerns but also the inability to complete some activities or achieve certain goals.

Breathing Problems

Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from breathing problems such as asthma, severe bronchitis and respiratory insufficiency. Also, the condition known as sleep apnea – difficulty breathing and interrupted respiration while sleeping – is much more common in overweight and obese populations.

While obesity can certainly take it toll on many aspects of a person’s health, there is also some good news. For those that are overweight or obese, a weight loss of just 10% of total body weight can begin to have positive health effects. For instance, after an obese individual begins losing weight, the risks of heart disease and stroke are reduced. Furthermore, obese individuals may also be able to lower their blood pressure and blood sugar, improve their cholesterol levels and combat the effects of secondary conditions such as asthma or chronic back pain.

While a weight loss of as little as 10-20 pounds can have positive health effects, an individual’s overall health will continue to improve as they approach a healthier body weight. For anyone trying to improve their health and quality of life by losing weight, it is also important to remember that the weight loss must be maintained in the long term for such positive effects to be possible. Therefore, overweight and obese individuals must be concerned about changing their lifestyles in addition to losing weight, incorporating healthy eating and exercise into their daily routines.

Carole S. Guinane, a Chief Clinical Officer writes articles about obesity and weight loss for New Hope Today.

What Obesity Debate?

This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss “experts” can confuse and harm the American consumer…The Obesity Debate?

During a dinner conversation with a friend, the topic of laziness was brought up. From there, we some how got around to the topic of obesity. He said to me, “A great example of how bad laziness can be is obesity.”

“Excuse me,” I coughed out (almost chocking on the last bite).

“You know, obese people don’t do anything. They are fat because they are lazy,” my friend said as if from a position of authority. This was going to be a long dinner I could tell.

It turns out, my friend read an article posted on the net that started with a statement similar to my friend’s words that almost made me choke. Unfortunately, he didn’t remember the author’s name but the title was Fitness and Exercise — I haven’t found it…yet.

What blows my mind is how easily people believe what is written on a website by someone calling himself an expert! The real experts need to start making noise!

Laziness does not cause obesity. If that were so, obesity would be the norm and not considered a problem. I recently found a wonderful definition of obesity…it covers all the possibilities in one clear sentence:

The etiology of obesity is complex, determined by the interplay of genetic and environmental factors -Andrea Baessler, from her recent article in Diabetes, Jan, 2005.

There has never been a debate about what causes obesity. We have always known that obesity is multifactorial in etiology. The “real” debate topics are which environmental factors and which genes increase the risk or incidence of obesity. The rest of the article reviews recent work around two genetic links to obesity.

SREB-1 Gene

Delphine Eberle’s work (Diabetes, Aug, 2004), with the sterol regulatory element binding protein transcription factor, found that the two isoforms are linked to the “plasma leptin concentrations in American obese families.”

His group hypothesized, “…genetic variations of the SREB-1 gene could be associated with obesity and obesity-related metabolic traits such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia.”

Interestingly, SREB-1 gene polymorphisms were found among obese cohorts when compared to nonobese cohorts. This means they are on to something and possibly not far from marking the SREB-1 gene as a clear link to obesity (1).

Ghrelin Receptor Gene (GHSR)

The importance of ghrelin in the central regulation of feeding has been demonstrated in animals and humans. Ghrelin increases appetite and food intake in normal subjects and patients with decreased appetite, such as those suffering from cancer cachexia. Recent evidence suggests that obesity is associated with an impairment of the entire ghrelin system (2).

Besides its biological function, the ghrelin receptor gene is located in a quantitative trait locus or QTL strongly linked to six phenotypes of obesity (1).

This is a second strong genetic association to obesity. Both groups will soon have conclusive evidence to support their arguments for SREB-1 and GHSR genetic links to obesity.

As far as I can tell, laziness wasn’t mentioned once. How many wonderful people avoid treatment because they actually believe it’s their own fault?

Educate at all costs.

Healthy Living!

Michael A. Smith, M.D.

Additional Information is available at The Weight Loss Professional

References:

Baessler A, Hasinoff J, Fischer M: Genetic linkage and association of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor gene in human obesity. Diabetes, Jan, 2005.

Eberle D. SREB-1 gene polymorphisms are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes in French obese and diabetic cohorts. Diabetes, Aug, 2004.

Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Ogden CL, Johnson CL: Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999-2000. JAMA 288:1723-1727, 2002

Dr. Smith is the primary physician and consultant for the Weight Loss Professional Website. His interests include preventative medicine, the genetic etiology of obesity, and several others too numerous to list.

Please visit his website at http://www.weight-loss-professional.com and let him know what you think.

Assessment and Diagnosis of Childhood Obesity

There has been much discussion and considerable public interest on the health complications attributed to adult obesity in recent years. However, equal attention should also be given on issues regarding obesity in children and adolescents. There is a common perception that obesity in children is merely cosmetic problem, with very little or no medical effects. This is a huge misconception largely based on lack of information and guidelines on childhood obesity.

Early assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity is critically important in order to introduce some preventive measures. Medical approach for obesity in children and in adults are treated differently. This is mainly because children and adolescents are still in the growing stage and a lot of factors should be considered. Aggressive weight management programs are simply not advisable since it is important not to compromise the child’s normal development and growth. Intensive deiting may very well prove to be quite disastrous.

Clinical nutrition assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity generally revolves around the energy balance minus energy intake minus energy output. Unlike adults where energy balance is zero, children require a continuing positive supply and balance of energy to sustain normal growth. Subjective assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity have proven to be inadequate. This would only result to the possibility of mislabelling non-obese childrenas obese and vice versa.

It is also highly critical to perform an accurate assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity to decrease the cardiovascular risks in their early stage. Other health complications such as hyperlipidaemia, high blood pressure, hyperinsulinaemia, and prevalence of Type II Diabetes can prove to be deadly when left untreated. There is also a higher probability that childhood obesity can persist into adulthood that can also affect the child emotionally and socially. Obese children will predictably have very low self-esteem and have the tendency to isolate themselves from other people. Aside from that, obese people are often subjected to discrimation in our society. This is the harsh reality that obese people have to live with every single day. This could trigger a person to undergo a deep depression and result to ill-health both physically and emotionally.

The growing number of obese people have made this a societal issue, and not merely the burden of the afflicted individual. We are all expected to contribute in hopefully minimizing the incidents of obesity both among children and adults. Early assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity is still the major key in trimming down the figures. Employing some preventive measures is undoubtedly a more effective treatment.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Weight Loss and Obesity and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Obesity web site. For more articles and resources on Obesity and Weight Loss related topics, symptoms and treatments visit his site at:

=>http://obesity.need-to-know.net/

The Effects of Obesity – An Almost Unlimited Number of Health Problems Associated With the Obese

Obesity is defined as a condition wherein the body has too much fat. Obesity is measured by reference to the Body Mass Index (BMI). There are three levels of obesity: mild obesity (BMI of 30+), morbid obesity (BMI of 40+) and malignant obesity (BMI of 50+). It is very alarming to know that more than 40 million of Americans are overweight. Based on obesity statistics, the obesity rate is continuously increasing every year. These obesity facts are indeed alarming because of the negative effects of obesity.

Diseases Caused by Obesity

There are many bad effects of obesity to the health. Obesity can lead to the development of many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis and type II diabetes. When these diseases develop and obesity is not addressed, it can lead to an earlier death. Statistics show that 80 % of type 2 diabetes is caused by obesity. In addition, obesity is also a major factor in the development of 42 % of colon and breast cancer. Furthermore, 70% of heart diseases are also related to obesity. Arthritis is also developed by obese people because the bones and the muscles cannot handle the added weight. Thirty percent of gall bladder surgery is also caused by obesity. These statistical findings are evidences that obesity is a very dangerous and life threatening condition.

Emotional Effects

Aside from the physical effects of obesity, the mental or emotional effect should also be addressed. Sometimes the emotional effect is actually more difficult to deal with as compared to the physical effects. Obese people usually have low self-esteem which will greatly affect their personal and social life. They usually do not have many friends and they often experienced being ridiculed or embarrassed by others. Some of them cannot live a normal life because of their condition. They are shy and they do not want to interact with other people because of their fear that they might be ridiculed. Sometimes this can also lead to psychological problems when an obese person does not have a good support system. The emotional effects are sometimes neglected by many but this should not be the case. They should understand that they sometimes over eat because this is their response to emotional stress.

Other Effects

Other detrimental effects of obesity include changes in a person’s body function. For instance, an obese person will probably have respiratory problems. Hormonal imbalances can also develop. In addition, they will usually feel fatigue, lethargic and they usually do not have much energy. Obese people are more likely to die earlier also. Death can be caused by the condition itself or it can also be due to the fatal conditions developed due to obesity.

The good thing is there is hope. As statistics also show, obesity is a preventable disease and many were able to successfully beat the disease and its effects. There are many obesity treatment options such as having a healthy diet and taking weight loss pills. In addition, there are several surgical procedures such as gastric bypass which can help treat obesity. There are many obesity articles people can read to help them cope with this condition.

James has been writing articles about health issues for over 5 years. Please visit his latest website about Obesity at Obesity Articles, with information relating to Effects of Obesity, and with ideas and discussions that anyone suffering from this condition would be interested in.

Is Bariatric Surgery The Answer To Obesity?

Introduction

Against a background of widespread obesity among all US age-groups, and the relative failure of conventional weight loss methods, doctors are increasingly resorting to gastrointestinal surgery in order to curb the rise of weight-related disease, and associated costs. An estimated 170,000 weight loss surgeries will be performed in 2005, and although the average bariatric surgery patient is a woman in her late 30s who weighs approximately 300 pounds, operations such as vertical banded gastroplasty and roux-en-Y bypass are now being successfully conducted on patients as young as 13 years.

But Does Bariatric Surgery Work?

While the increasing popularity of obesity surgery is a clear reflection of the inability of most obese patients to comply with conventional dietary treatments, the question remains: does this type of surgical treatment offer an effective solution for severe clinical obesity? To understand the issues raised by this question, let us examine the problem of obesity and how surgery attempts to reduce it.

How Widespread is Obesity?

According to current statistics, 61.3 million American adults (30.5 percent) are obese. In addition, an estimated 10-15 percent of children (ages 6?11) and 15 percent of teenagers are overweight and at risk of developing weight-related disorders. Severe obesity is also on the rise. Six million American adults are morbidly obese (BMI 40+), while another 9.6 million have a BMI of 35-40. (Source: US Census 2000; NHANES III data estimates)

How Does Obesity Affect Health?

Excess body fat associated with high body mass index (BMI) carries an increased risk of premature death. Obese patients (BMI 30+) have a 50-100 percent increased risk of death from all causes, compared with individuals of normal weight (BMI 20?25). Morbid obesity (BMI 40+) and super-obesity (BMI 50+) carries a still higher risk of dying younger. Most of the increased risk is due to co-morbid conditions like cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke). The effects of severe obesity on longevity are dramatic. Obese white males between 20 and 30 years old (BMI > 45) can shorten their life expectancy by 13 years. African-American men of similar age and BMI can lose up to 20 years of life. Obese white females between 20 and 30 years old (BMI > 45) can shorten their life expectancy by 8 years. African-American women of similar age and BMI can lose up to 5 years of life.

Research Into Obesity and Premature Death

A 12-year study of 330,000 obese men and 420,000 obese women, revealed that premature mortality rates for morbidly obese men were twice the normal: 500 percent higher for diabetics and 400 percent higher for those with digestive tract disease. In severely obese women, the mortality was also increased two fold, while in female diabetics the mortality risk increased eight fold and three fold in those with digestive tract disease. Another study of 200 men aged 23-70 years with severe clinical obesity, showed a 1200 percent increase in mortality in the 25-34 year age group and a 600 percent increase in the 35-44 year age group. Average cancer mortality rates are 150-500 percent higher in obese patients.

Other Obesity-Related Diseases

Aside from premature death, obesity is strongly associated with a wide range of health disorders. 80 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes are obese, while almost 70 percent of diagnosed heart disease is obesity-related. Other obesity-related disorders include: high blood pressure, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), insulin resistance, low back pain, obstructive sleep apnea, musculoskeletal complaints and osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, stroke, and vein disorders.

Why is Surgical Treatment is Needed?

As the facts demonstrate, obesity is an independent risk factor for a number of serious diseases. Severe obesity, if left untreated, leads to life-threatening disorders and possible premature death. It is against this background that the viability of bariatric surgery should be assessed. Three key questions are: (1) Does bariatric surgery lead to a significant loss of weight? (2) What are the health benefits of surgery? (3) What are health risks?

Does Bariatric Surgery Lead To A Significant Loss of Weight?

Yes. According to most patient-surveys the health and weight reduction benefits of bariatric surgery exceed all other treatment methods by a wide margin. Weight loss surgery is considered successful when excess weight is reduced by 50 percent and the weight loss is sustained for five years. At present, average excess weight reduction at five years is 45-75 percent after gastric bypass and 40-60 percent after vertical banded gastroplasty. In a statistical review of over 600 bariatric patients following gastric bypass, with 96 percent follow-up, mean excess weight loss still exceeded 50 percent of initial excess weight at fourteen years. Another 10 year follow-up study from the University of Virginia reports weight reduction of 60 percent of excess weight at 5 years and in the mid 50′s between years 6 and 10. A significant percentage of less-committed patients do regain weight 2-5 years after having surgery, especially those who undergo the less drastic stomach banding procedure, but if the patient is well motivated and given proper post-operative support, the weight loss is usually permanent. By comparison, according to one 4-year study of non-surgical weight loss programs involving obesity medication, behavior modification, diet and exercise, average weight reduction was 3 pounds in those subjects who were followed for the four years of the study.

What Are The Health Benefits of Surgery?

According to the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), weight reduction caused by gastric reduction surgery improves longevity and reduces rates of premature death. In addition, hypertension is cured in about 50 percent of patients, while measurements of cholesterol and other blood fats show visible improvements, all leading to a reduction in the risk of heart disease. Type 2 diabetes is cured in 80 percent of diabetic patients while hyperglycemia and associated conditions such as hyperinsulimia and insulin resistance are even more likely to benefit from gastric bypass. Obstructive sleep apnea is cured in about 75 percent of patients, shortness of breath is relieved in 75-80 percent of cases, while asthma attacks are significantly reduced, particularly when associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Obesity surgery also relieves low back pain and arthritis, heartburn, urinary incontinence, and lower limb venous disorders.

What Are The Health Risks?

Generally speaking, the health complications of bariatric surgery divide into three classes. First, during the operation itself, patients are subject to the normal health dangers of any serious surgical procedure. Risk factors include: patient condition, the expertise of the bariatric surgeon and anesthesiologist and the quality of operating room services. Premature death occurs in about 1-2.5 percent of bariatric cases. Second, there are well-documented post-operative health risks, which largely depend on the type of procedure performed.

Post-Operative Health Problems of Gastric Banding

Restrictive procedures like gastric-banding and stomach stapling carry a number of short-term post-operative health risks, including: (1) Risk of hernia. About 10-20 percent of patients require additional surgery to fix problems like abdominal hernias caused by excessive straining after surgery before the incision heals. Laparoscopic surgery reduces this risk. (2) Risk of blood clots. About 1 percent of patients contract blood clots in the legs. (3) Risk of infection. On average, there is a 5 percent risk of infection in the incision area. (4) Risk of gastric staple breakage. This occurs in bariatric operations like vertical banded gastroplasty, that use staples to reduce stomach size. (5) Risk of band slippage and saline leakage. A routine complication, this occurs after lap band or other forms of adjustable gastric banding. (6) Risk of bowel obstruction. This rare complication may occur due to adhesions caused by scar tissue. (7) Risk of stomal stenosis and marginal ulcers.

Post-Operative Health Problems of Gastric Bypass

Post-operative health dangers of bypass procedures like roux-en-y or biliopancreatic diversion include: (1) Corrective operations. About 15-20 percent of bypass patients require follow-up gastrointestinal operations to correct complications (eg. hernias). These follow-up operations tend to carry higher risk of complication and death. (2) Dumping Syndrome. Caused by overeating or over-rapid eating, dumping, is not a real health danger, but symptoms (nausea, faintness, sweating and diarrhea) can be distressing. (3) Risk of nutritional deficiency. Since stomach bypass surgery involves bypassing the duodenum and part/all of the jejunum, causing insufficient absorption of vitamins and minerals, patients can develop deficiencies in nutrients like: iron, calcium, vitamin D and B12 deficiency. This can be easily corrected by a program of nutritional supplementation. (4) Risk of gallstones. About one-third of bypass patients develop gallstones. (5) Bowel Disorders. After all bypass operations, there is a period of intestinal adaptation during which bowel movements can be liquid and frequent. Typically accompanied by bloating, gas and foul smelling stools, this complaint may reduce with time, but occasionally becomes a permanent condition.

Bariatric Surgery is No Easy Answer To Obesity

Even though surgical methods are becoming more and more successful for the reduction of severe obesity, it would be misleading to present surgery as an easy option. To begin with, its success depends entirely on patient compliance with post-operative guidelines. And pressures to overeat do not disappear after surgery. If patients adhere to instructions, they tend to lose weight without regain. If they “cheat”, they tend to regain most of their weight loss and may end up in a worse condition than before. Second, due to cost and availability issues, bariatric surgery can only ever treat a tiny percentage of the population who are severely obese. Third, we lack long term feedback on the success of these operations. For these reasons, it seems that bariatric surgery is no easy solution to our obesity epidemic.

David Johnson, LLb., is the senior researcher at http://www.bariatric-surgery.info which offers a range of information about gastric banding, stomach bypass and other weight-related surgeries to more than 2 million unique visitors per year.

Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Bypass

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The History of Obesity – How Long Has America Faced This Problem?

November 3, 2011 by Robert Dave Johnston  
Filed under Obesity Information

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It’s obvious that obesity is a problem facing the United States, but when did it become seen as an epidemic? It’s not obesity that actually causes deaths, but is a cause of the many diseases that do: diabetes mellitus and vascular disease, for example. Medicare, however, announced obesity a disease in 2004, and as a result, we have access to many treatments, including diets, surgery, exercise programs and psychotherapy. We’ve really been thinking about obesity an epidemic much earlier than the year 2004, and we now talk about obesity as a global epidemic in many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and China. We think of obesity as the major public health problem of the twenty-first Century.

Some argue that we are panicking about obesity in a moral sense, not simply a wellness sense, whereas obesity is a condition that threatens our social values and norms. We’ve been defining it as a national problem, not an individual health problem. We are concerned about the implications on us as a society. Despite the fact that we’ve been concerned about obesity for a very long time, it wasn’t until the 1980s that obesity as an epidemic was identified for Americans. From the 1990s on, society has been on a quest to ascertain causes of obesity related to diesase; in 1997, researchers thought that obesity could be caused by a virus that mimics AIDS in the manner in which it spreads. In 2007, another group theorized that obesity might be caused by what they called a “social infection,” meaning that obese family and friends influence individuals to overeat, causing obesity.

Our social worry over obesity isn’t new. In literature, authors like Charles Dickens write about character types whose considerable physical characteristics represent stupidity, laziness, and general moral lacking. In the 1930s and 40s, doctors found a pituitary tumor in a young boy, and linked it directly to his obesity. We were obsessed with attempts to find specific causes for obesity because we were so afraid of it. Suddenly, obesity became inextricably connected to physical disease.

Obese people have long felt stigmatized by their weight. In Shakespeare, his character Falstaff searched for a cure for his weight because of his anxiety over it. Nineteenth-century doctors actually labeled Jews the “diabetic race,” supposedly because of their likelihood to overindulge. In the 1950s, a German-Jewish doctor named Hilde Bruch theorized that obesity truly sprang from family dysfunction and bad mothering.

Today, doctors point to American fast food and global financial progress as the cause of obesity instead of nodding toward racial causes. Perhaps obesity and its treatments are simply part of a system of modernization. We are obsessed with global health, leading to our anxiety about the obesity epidemic. Truly, it’s not bad to be worried about obesity numbers in the world; the number of obese people in this country is steadily climbing. We know that obesity leads to other, more inherently dangerous illnesses, ranging from diabetes to heart disease. Obesity, then, really does kill, albeit indirectly. There have always been obese people, just not so many. Now, the question is how to help them.

There are several easy ways to start a healthy eating habit and improve your overall health. Access more detailed information and learn simple daily steps that you can follow by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com

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Childhood Obesity Information

November 3, 2011 by Robert Dave Johnston  
Filed under Obesity Information

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Childhood Obesity has reached epidemic proportions around the world. It is no longer confined to the UK, USA, and some European countries. It is now shown around the world that Childhood Obesity has raised from 1 in 5 to 1 in 4. This childhood obesity information is staggering when you consider a small province in Ireland; the North of Ireland has 10,000 obese children. The rise in childhood obesity has been gathering speed at such an alarming rate that if it continues, no health service will be able to cope with the complications of childhood obesity. The childhood obesity information keeps on getting more facts each day on this growing menace of obesity to our society and way of life. One has to throw out the live and let live attitude. This menace of obesity has to be smashed and done very quickly by giving as much as possible childhood obesity information to parents, guardians and children institutes.

Children should have a healthy well balanced food regime that gives them the energy to grow and develop. The more they take in; in energy what ever is not used up is stored as Fat and the children will become overweight or obese. Been obese means you are carrying far too much weight. Obesity is caused by regularly eating fast food, high caloric drinks, it is in plain language eating and drinking more calories then the body needs. These fast foods and processed foods contain so much sugar and fat that if you’re not physically active you will become obese.

Once a child is overweight or obese, they are more likely to develop serious health problems which is not in any way good for the child and that obesity leads to life threatening circumstances such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, liver disease, early puberty, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, asthma and shins infections and most evil of all cancer. Obese children sadly mature to be obese adults. In addition of alarm is the death rate which is on the rise for childhood obesity and adolescence obesity. No parent wants to stand at their son or daughter’s grave when there is a way to avoid this very sad situation. I am an avid fan for breastfeeding. It is one of the best ways to help your child to avoid obesity.

There are many reasons and situations which cause childhood obesity. These include

[1] Eating a diet of too many high fat and sugary foods.

[2] Eating too much and too many times in the High ST fast food chain outlets.

[3] This is the physical inactivity not doing enough exercise.

[4] Spending too much time watching television, on the computer and playing consul games. Becoming the couch potato.

[5] This is as far as my research goes rare inherited obesity.

[6] Your obese so you lead by bad example. You share the same eating habits.

[7] Not been breastfed at birth.

[8] Snacking all the time.

[9] Stress at home or school.

[10] Emotional eating.

[11] Fear of child safety to go and play.

[12] Parents busy schedule.

Possibly you could add more to the list but I am hopeful it rings a bell with parents.

Take a situation which is one I find identity with your visiting a friend with school age children they come home from school very few schools have extra sports and physical instruction available anymore. Back to my story the children arrive home and what takes place an almighty row over what program they are going to watch on television or play on the computer. Answer’s itself.

The childhood obesity information I have laid out for you, I am hopeful you can benefit from it and help your children to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Wishing you all a healthy lifestyle and speak soon.

Oliver Brendan Greene was diagnosed with obesity about eight years ago after fighting a weight issue for more than fifteen years.His weight issues began when he became a little overweight, but thought it was nothing too serious. He later became fat and this deteriorated into clinical obesity a few years later. After a very serious illness and near loss of his life in 2008, Greene became determined to lose the weight. At this time, he faced the facts of his laziness and unhealthy lifestyle and made a decision to change.

His website, the-menace-of-obesity.com tells his story of gaining and losing weight. It conveys the ideas and measures that were needed to overcome the menace of being fat, obese or overweight. His mental attitude and zest for life will inspire anyone in their own fight against the menace of obesity.

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