Focus On Vibrant Health – Why is Obesity a Problem?

NORTH FORK, CA – Weight loss is the biggest topic in the public health space today.  A person’s weight is very visible to everyone, it is very emotional, and it is closely tied to identity and self-image.  It is well documented that obesity rates have risen sharply since the 1980’s, across all age groups.  The biggest contributing factors are thought to be eating more highly processed foods and beverages, increased reliance on eating out with “fast” food, food marketing, less physical activity, increased screen time, exposure to chemical toxins, and high stress levels.

What is the definition of obesity?  Really, you already know if you are overweight.  But to convince yourself that you should take action, you can look at some things beyond the simple number on a scale.  One is your Body Mass Index (BMI).  It is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.  It does not take into account your muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution.  You can calculate it HERE.  This NIH site will also tell you if you are in the healthy range.

A way to assess body fat distribution is Waist : Hip ratio.  Waist is measured at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button) and hips at the widest part of the buttock.  A higher number suggests more visceral fat, which is associated with a greater risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Women

• Low risk: ≤ 0.80
• Moderate risk: 0.81–0.84
• High risk: ≥ 0.85

Men

• Low risk: ≤ 0.90
• Moderate risk: 0.91–0.99
• High risk: ≥ 1.00

Another way to evaluate your body composition and fat distribution is the Body Roundness Index.  The formula is complicated, but a simplified version is that for women your waist measurement should not be more than 35″ and for men not more than 40″.  The bottom line is that you should not have a lot of fat around your middle.

What are the major health risks associated with being overweight?

• Metabolic diseases – diabetes type 2 and metabolic syndrome
• Cardiovascular diseases – high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure
• Some cancers – breast (postmenopausal), colon, kidney, pancreatic, liver
• Respiratory problems – obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, shortness of breath (due to reduced lung capacity)
• Joint and musculoskeletal issues – knee, hip, and lower back pain, osteoarthritis
• Liver and digestive diseases – nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease (gallstones)
• Hormonal and reproductive issues – irregular menstrual cycles and infertility in women, reduced testosterone in men, pregnancy complications
• Mental health effects – depression, anxiety
• Overall increased mortality risk and premature death

Health risk is not determined by weight alone, and people at “normal” or low weight can be at risk for these health problems.  But if you are overweight, statistically you have greater risk.  Previous articles have gone into detail about the choices you can make to support your health.  You have far more responsibility and power than you may realize.

Next week I will discuss the GLP-1 drugs that are currently so much in the news and on people’s minds, the actual hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and other hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.  Then the following week I will outline a holistic approach to weight loss that supports longevity and health.

Read previous articles here:  Focus On Vibrant Health.

Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health.  She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life.  Her office is in North Fork.  You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.