Health Tips: Information On Obesity

In addition, obese persons are likely to have high cholesterol levels, which can be a serious risk factor for heart abnormalities. Included as a result of over weight, is arthritis, and lower back problems. Obstructive sleep apnea is common among the very obese.

The measurement of your waist if you are a female, should not be over 35 inches, and a man should not be over 40 inches, if these measurements are exceeded you are more likely to develop the "at risk diseases" noted previously. The waist-to-hip ratio is also an identifier of health hazards according to the AHA. The waists circumference at it smallest is divided by the hip measurement at its widest. A mans calculation should be less than 0.95 and less than 0.8 for a women. If larger, you are at risk.

If you are over weight or have a family tendency of obesity, a medical check up is advised, to determine and evaluate your general health. Your health care team including a nutritionist may then develop an on-going program which should include a plan for eating healthier and encouraging a schedule of exercise.

Most cases of obesity are because we are taking in more calories and expending less energy, although there are other causes such as genetic, environmental, psychological which could be factors. The AHA suggests that, generally we are taking in less fat as part of our intake of calories however we are ingesting more calories as a whole. The U.S Department of Agriculture noted that our total consumption of fat is 34% of total calories, that more calories are consumed in all age categories. Most likely the increased calories are from over eating high calorie, low fat and fat-free "snack foods." Perhaps the hypothesis is "oh well this is labeled low fat, or fat free, I can eat all I want," this is deceptive. We are, remember, consuming calories which will add to our poundage, the calories are not removed! Too many calories, from carbohydrates, protein, or fat will add to weight gain, although most of us understand that fat has more than double the calories of protein or carbohydrates.

Losing body weight all boils down to maintaining a good equilibrium in diet and exercise. Keep a list of every food you eat and the calorie content, then total it daily. Within a week, you may be surprised how high the actual count really is. By keeping this count in balance, weight will come off. Remember to include a reasonable amount of exercise in this recipe.

Slow and easy is the best way to reduce your weight, perhaps one pound per week, which is well within capabilities. If you go to extremes in your loss of weight, by losing it too fast, you tend to loose muscle, which is not desirable. Set goals knowing that time is an important part of a long term changing lifestyle, with the result of "weight loss."

Consider what you eat, and consider your habits, keeping a grand total of calories consumed, is a good way to start. Include whole-grains in your diet with fruits and vegetables, which are naturally filling and lower in calories than fat ridden foods. Do not overeat the low fat, fat free, products on the market, which lull you into a mode of overeating by ingesting too many "calories."

Exercise! Make it a routine part of your life daily. Think about your daily routines, if it includes "setting" much of the time at a computer or other sedimentary tasks then plan a portion of your day to be "physical." Outside raking the leaves or pulling weeds from the flowerbed. Bicycling, or long leisurely walks with someone you love. When you have "breaks" use the stairs and by-pass the elevator, these insidious and routine planned activities will one day result in a healthier and happier mother, father, husband, wife"¦you!