 What's
challenging your wellness?
Obesity
Sadly, America is more overweight than ever. Too much body fat puts you at
risk for Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep
apnea and stroke.
 Obesity can be attributed to:
- Poor food choices
- Increase in daily calorie consumption
- Increase in portion size
- Lack of time
- Meal preparation
- Drive through dining
- Decrease in exercise/physical activity
- Sedentary jobs/lifestyles
- Long commute times
- Too tired to do anything besides watch TV
The
terms “overweight” and “obese” are used to identify ranges of weight that are
considered unhealthy for a given height and, consequently, represent significant
health dangers. An adult with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 is
considered “overweight.” A BMI score of 30 or higher is identified as “obese.”
To calculate your BMI,
click here.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 66% of American adults are
overweight and 30% are obese. Keeping pace with this “fat-pack” is Wisconsin's
obesity rate. U to 25% percent of the state's population is considered to be
obese by the CDC's standards.
In addition, where you carry your body fat can be another risk
indicator. Individuals with higher fat levels around the middle, rather than the
hips, are more likely to have health problems. A waist size of over 35 inches
for women and 40 inches for men can raise your chances for disease.
Why does that pesky weight keep finding us? Researchers have found that men
and women between the ages of 45 and 55 typically gain about a pound per year.
As we age, our energy needs lessen due to a lack of physical activity and a
decrease in lean muscle mass. However, it appears that our consumption of
calories doesn't change. By consuming more calories than your body uses, you
will gain weight.
 Lack of exercise or physical activity
Not surprising, a lack of physical activity is closely linked with obesity.
And, just like obesity, forgoing regular exercise is a known risk factor for
heart disease, diabetes and several forms of cancer.
The CDC recommends that adults participate in at least 30 minutes of
moderate-intensity level activity (equal to a brisk walk) on 5 or more days per
week. However, government studies also report that more than half (54%) of U.S.
adults do not get this amount of daily exercise .
In addition to the health benefits, regular exercise can increase flexibility
and muscular strength, while giving you more energy for work and leisure-time
activities. According to the American Heart Association, you can receive 2
additional hours of life expectancy for every hour of regular exercise that you
perform.
Enough excuses … what's challenging your wellness?
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