Wellness Wednesday

Although we all know it is better to maintain a normal weight and to be moderately active in order to have optimum health, here are a few facts to grab your attention:

The World Health Organization describes obesity as the "most neglected public health problem" and "a global epidemic."

63% of men and 55% of women age 25 or older are overweight; 20% of men and 25% of women age 20 or older are obese.

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer, and arthritis. 

Obesity-attributable medical costs in the U.S. average $147 billion per year and account for almost 10% of the total annual medical expenditures.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally.  The main precursors of cardiovascular disease are smoking, obesity, hypertension, and a disturbed serum lipid profile. The latter three precursors are to a large extent influenced by an unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity.

Now that I've got your attention, I want to remind you to take advantage of the warm weather and the spring and summer seasons.  Get outside and move.  Walk your dog or play with your kids.  Go hiking or take a walk in the park.  Take tennis lessons.  Visit your local farmers' market and buy some fresh produce.  Take a class on nutrition or health - many parks and recreation departments and community colleges offer these type of classes.  


Move and eat right to improve the quality of your life.




Sources:
Garipagaoglu, M., et al. (2009).  Family-based group treatment versus individual treatment in the management of childhood obesity:  Randomized, prospective clinical trial.  European Journal of Pediatrics, 168 (1091-1099).
Katz, D.L., et al. (2002).  Technical skills for weight loss:  preliminary data from randomized trial.  Preventative Medicine, 34 (608-615).
Drieling, R., et al. (2011).  Evaluating clinic and community-based lifestyle interventions for obesity reduction in low-income Latino neighborhood:  Vivamos activos Fair Oaks program.  BMC Public Health, 11:98.
Groeneveld, I.F., et al. (2010).  Sustained body weight reduction by an individual-based lifestyle intervention for workers in the construction industry at risk for cardiovascular disease:  Results of a randomized controlled trial.  Preventative Medicine, 51 (240-246).