Americans
seem to be obsessed with their weight - and with good
reason. More than half of the U.S. adult population
and nearly one-fifth of U.S. children and adolescents
are overweight. In addition, obesity-related
conditions are second only to tobacco smoking as a
leading cause of preventable deaths.
It is not surprising then that at any given time,
one in four men and almost half of all women are
trying to lose weight and that Americans spend
billions each year on weight loss products and
services. However, the number of obese Americans
continues to increase, and the need to maintain a
healthy body weight is a major public health concern.
Researchers like those reporting in the January 20,
1999, issue of The Journal of the American Medical
Association continue to seek answers to whether
the use of certain new medications can help people
lose weight and keep it off. Unfortunately, no single
drug or single approach is universally effective for
weight loss. If you are overweight or obese, the best
way to lose weight is to do it slowly. Be wary of any
diet or drug that promises quick results. Be sure to
consult your doctor about which weight management
options are best for your specific needs.
Are you Overweight or Obese?
You become overweight when you take in more
calories than you burn off with physical activity.
This imbalance is believed to be influenced by a
combination of genetic, environmental, psychological,
and other factors. Obesity is measured by using a
mathematical formula called a body mass index (BMI) -
weight in kilograms divided by height in meters
squared (BMI = kg/m2). A BMI of 19 to 25 is considered
a "healthy weight target" and poses a
minimal risk to your health, but a BMI higher than 26
begins to increase your risk for a variety of serious
health problems. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered
overweight while 30 or above is considered obese.
 |
| Source:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases |
Harmful Effects of Obesity:
Excessive amounts of body fat increase your risk of
certain health conditions, such as coronary heart
disease, high blood pressure, stroke, dyslipidemia
(abnormal fat levels in the blood), diabetes,
gallstones, sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during
sleep), osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints),
and some types of cancer.
How to Lower Your Weight and Your Health Risks:
- Monitor what you eat. To prevent weight gain,
the amount of calories you eat should not exceed
the amount of energy you expend with physical
activity.
- Get regular exercise; at least 30 minutes a day
of activity equivalent to brisk walking is
recommended.
- If you are overweight, losing as little as five
percent to 10 percent of your body weight can
improve your health. You should lose weight
slowly; losing about one pound per week is a safe
way to lose weight.
- Before considering any new diet or exercise
regimen, discuss it first with your doctor.
For More Information:
- American Dietetic Association
(800) 366-1655
www.eatright.org
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases
Weight-Control Information Network (WIN)
(800) WIN-8098
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/win.htm
- American Obesity Association
(800) 98-OBESE
www.obesity.org
Additional Source: AMA's Encyclopedia of
Medicine
Mi Young Hwang, Writer
Richard M. Glass, M.D., Editor
Jeff Molter, Director of Science News
(JAMA. 1999; 281:296)
Published in JAMA: January 20, 1999
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of The
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recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate
in most instances; but they are not a substitute for
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your personal medical condition, JAMA and AMA
suggest that you consult your physician. This page may
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