Obesity:
A Growing Trend
More than 60 percent
of Americans aged 20 years and older are overweight. One-quarter of American
adults are also obese, putting them at increased health risk for chronic
diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure,
stroke, and some forms of cancer.
To most people, the term "obesity" means to be very overweight.
Health professionals define "overweight" as an excess amount
of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. "Obesity"
specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat. Some people, such
as bodybuilders or other athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight
without being obese.
Everyone needs a certain
amount of body fat for stored energy, heat insulation, shock absorption,
and other functions. As a rule, women have more body fat than men. Most
health care providers agree that men with more than 25 percent body fat
and women with more than 30 percent body fat are obese.
Health professionals
agree that obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he
or she burns. What causes this imbalance between calories in and calories
out may differ from one person to another. Genetic, environmental, psychological,
and other factors may all play a part.
How
Your Genes May Determine What Size Jeans You Wear
Obesity tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause. Yet families
also share diet and lifestyle habits that may contribute to obesity. Separating
these from genetic factors is often difficult. Even so, science shows
that heredity is linked to obesity.
What
Does the Environment Have to do With Obesity
Genes do not destine people to a lifetime of obesity, however. Environment
also strongly influences obesity. This includes lifestyle behaviors such
as what a person eats and his or her level of physical activity. Americans
tend to eat high-fat foods, and put taste and convenience ahead of nutrition.
Also, most Americans do not get enough physical activity.
Although you cannot
change your genetic makeup, you can change your eating habits and levels
of activity. Try these techniques that have helped some people lose weight
and keep it off:
- Learn how to choose
more nutritious meals that are lower in fat.
- Learn to recognize
and control environmental cues (like inviting smells) that make you
want to eat when you're not hungry.
- Become more physically
active.
- Keep records of
your food intake and physical activity.
Remember, weight control
is a life-long effort. Isn't it time you lost your excess weight and became
the healthier person you've always wanted to be? Find that person with CaloriesCount.com!
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