22 Sep National Obesity Month

Did you know that there are more than forty medical conditions associated with obesity?

Not only could being obese affect your daily activities but it can result in serious medical conditions. Obesity is defined as having an extreme amount of excess body fat, resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Most healthy men and women have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. BMI is a simple calculation by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared (BMI = kg/m2). Obesity has become an increasing issue for Americans, one-third of adults are affected and 17 % of children are suffering from obesity today.

There are many factors that can lead to obesity, such as poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy diet, little to no physical activity or exercise, medications, psychological factors, diseases (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistant), childhood weight, hormones, and genetics. Although genetics play a role, your healthy lifestyle choices help to reduce the chance of obesity.

Obesity rates remain at all time high, causing the death rate in obesity to increase. Obesity is closely linked to many deadly diseases such as: stroke, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, over 11 types of cancer, sleep apnea, kidney stones and infertility. Not only does it medically affect you but psychologically. People who suffer from obesity are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders.

The best way to prevent obesity is to establish a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate exercise in your daily routine such as going to the gym, yoga, or even going for a walk! Simple changes in your daily activities can help burn calories. Another way is to cut out the junk food and sugary drinks! Americans are always on the go so we love to stop and grab fast food, energy drinks, soda and sugar-filled coffees! Limiting your sugar intake will definitely help to reduce the excess calories. As a parent, you should encourage healthy eating habits to your children at a young age, as well as helping them maintain physical activity especially if obesity runs in your family.

Obesity has become an epidemic in our society, men, women and children are suffering across America from the ramifications of obesity. Living a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention of obesity but there also are ways to help treat your obesity! Working with your doctor to discuss a healthy weight loss plan and diet or working with a personal trainer to help burn body fat.

There are many tips to prevent weight loss,  obesity is a growing problem and the more people become aware of the consequences of being overweight, the more motivation they may have in making a healthy lifestyle change permanent!

Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare PC offers the very best physical therapy in Ontario County. We treat all your wants and needs with our trusted and experienced Physical Therapists and staff. To begin to feel pain and stress free, start your Physical Therapy journey today and schedule your evaluation by calling (585) 396-1400.