A considerable number of people have gained weight in last 20 years in the U.S. as we can see in maps published by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). While at least 15 of every 100 persons were obese in 1990 in the U.S., this number has doubled in 2010. Current statistics show that more than 30 out of 100 adults have obesity in the U.S. general population.
Obesity is a weight gain condition due to increased body fat. Doctors commonly measure the weight gain using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI, a number which relates height and weight, classifies a person as being normal, overweight, or obese. If you want to find out what category you are, just check the online BMI calculator at: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm. You should not be surprised if you are under the obese category, remember that at least 1 in 3 adults have obesity in many states of the U.S. at this moment.
Now a key question, are Hispanics following the same trends of obesity in America? Even though studies about obesity in Hispanics are not fully available, there are some data that should make us feel worried. The National Health and Nutrition Surveys (NHANES) between 2003-2004 have reported that 36.8% of Mexican American adults are obese which is higher when compared to non-Hispanic whites (30.6%) although less than African Americans (45%). Similarly, it was also found a high proportion of obese Mexican American women when compared to Mexican American men (43% vs. 34.3%). Another survey made these obesity findings even worse when revealed that Mexican American children between 6 – 11 years old have higher numbers of obesity (17.4%) when compared to white children (12.3%) and African American children (11.9%). These facts are important because suggest that Mexico American women and children are more affected by obesity than other population groups. It seems from this data that Mexican Americans are getting fat at least in the same pace than other groups; moreover, all this data should alert about future obesity and its consequences for Hispanic communities. Even though all Hispanics are not Mexican Americans and these results cannot be applied for all Hispanics; we cannot deny the fact that there is an obesity epidemic in America and looks like Hispanics are following the same galloping trends of obesity in the nation as well.
While we are getting used to see many fat people around, you may wonder how bad obesity is for health. Many studies have shown that adults with obesity are at high risk of developing future heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer. We also know about some genetic factors that predispose certain people to obesity, but it does not mean that nobody can do something to avoid or treat this condition. It is generally known about environmental factors that contribute to this burden of obesity, such as: increased food consumption and lack of exercise due to inactive lifestyle. Low cost of energy dense food processed like some fast food or packaged food which are easy available for children and adults are at least one of the reason to gain weight in America. Energy dense food contains high amount of calories in a small portion. Because this kind of food is offered as big portions at low cost, make its consumption very popular. Likewise, a very limited activity or lack of exercise is another reason that makes you gain weight. Doctors say that obesity is due to an energy imbalance that means if you consume a certain amount of calories, your body needs to burn these calories to make a balance. The body need exercise to burn the excess of calories you have consumed, if not, these calories will be saved as fat in your body.
What you should do if the BMI pointed out you are under the category of overweight, or maybe normal? Your body probably is in a good shape, but you should remember that you are at risk of getting fat if you are not eating healthy or being an active person that means doing exercise usually as a routine. If you suspect being overweight, you can watch and track your weight using the BMI. Your chances for lowering your weight are higher if you start a healthy lifestyle. For certain, there is not magic wand or magic pill to keep you healthy. You have to make an effort if you hardly manage to lose weight. Do not be discouraged; let’s go ahead with your new lifestyle. You will be gradually used to eat recommended food portions, avoid energy dense food as much as you can, and be an active person every day. You can find some recommendations in this website: http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/
But what should you do if your BMI are under the category of obese? If your BMI went beyond the number 30 you should talk your doctor openly about your risks of developing some related conditions and make a plan to overcome obesity. Most doctors will take obesity very seriously; thus, they will run tests and depending on your case, they should prescribe a treatment that fits your needs. For instance, some people with extreme obesity (BMI more than 40) with other risk factors like diabetes and sleep apnea may be candidates for bariatric surgery; on the other hand, some other people who do not qualify for bariatric surgery should be under a multidisciplinary medical treatment that includes lifestyle modification. As well as in prevention, healthy diet and exercise routine plays an important role for people with obesity, so in the meantime, you should think on some strategies to change your lifestyle and behaviors in order to lower your weight. Avoid to be cheated for most commercials promising lower your weight easily in a short term with devices, pills, magic diets or unproved herbs or treatments. You should think you have to work hard with yourself for a long time to lower your weight. Even modest weight loss can improve health problems related to obesity as well as you can prevent other health problems. The goal in the treatment of obesity is to keep you healthy and not only make a body with good shape.
More recommendations on nutrition, diet, exercise, and weight control in this website: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightcontrol.html
