WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Obesity occurs when you reach a body mass index of 30 or higher.
The term obesity is used to describe the health condition of anyone significantly above his or her ideal healthy weight. Dont be discouraged by the term. It simply means you are 20 % or more above your ideal weight and you are not alone. Between 60 and 70 % of Americans are either overweight or obese. Being obese puts you at a higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and more.
Obesity Statistics:
About 12 million (16.9 %) of U.S. children ages 2 to 19 are obese.
Nearly one in three (31.7 %) U.S. children (23,500,000) ages 2 to 19 are overweight
or obese.
Over one-third (33.7 %) of U.S. adults are obese (nearly 75 million adults).
Your healthiest weight
Everyone needs a goal and we need positive reasons to achieve those goals. Even taking off a few pounds can provide you with cardiovascular benefits, so every step in the right direction is a step toward healthier living. Consider these reasons to work toward maintaining a healthy weight.
When your weight is in a healthy range:
Your body more effectively circulates blood
Your fluid levels are more easily managed
You are less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and
sleep apnea.
Obesity is defined simply as too much body fat. Your body is made up of water, fat, protein, carbohydrate and various vitamins and minerals. If you have too much fat especially around your waist you're at higher risk for health problems, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.