One of the Nation’s Biggest Health Risks
In our image-based society, obesity can be a cosmetic concern. But the consequences are far greater than what we see in the mirror. Obesity is quickly becoming one of the nation’s biggest health risks.
More than one third of Americans are obese, and another 97 million are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Obesity poses huge health risks for the person who is carrying those extra pounds including:
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Diabetes
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Stroke
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Heart disease
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Joint problems
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Some forms of cancer
Your doctor can help you determine if you’re overweight or obese. Weight gain carried around your middle is especially dangerous. In general, a woman’s waist measurement should fall below 35 inches, and a man should be 40 inches or less around the waist. Weight gain is usually the result of consuming more calories, each day, than you burn through exercise. But other factors can cause weight gain including age, some medical conditions, and certain medications.
To decrease your calorie intake, you need to eat less food or eat lower-calorie food. Other elements of a successful weight-loss program: Eat reasonable portion sizes. Aim to lose no more than 1 or 2 pounds per week. Keep a food journal to monitor your calorie consumption. Exercise daily.
If you are overweight or obese and can’t lose those extra pounds, Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center has a variety of resources to help you lose weight. These include:
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Bariatric Surgery — a re-sectioning of your digestive system that limits your food intake, and keeps absorption of calories low.
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Medical Fitness — utilizes an individual’s unique medical profile to design a safe and medically supervised fitness program to achieve optimal health.
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The Fitness Lifestyle Improvement Plan (FLIP) — an 8-week program designed just for you that tailor-makes a diet and exercise program to help you lose weight, and keep it off for life.
“Obesity is a treatable medical condition. Let our staff teach you how to lose weight, gain energy and protect your health for a lifetime.” -Dr. Michael Schuhknecht, Bariatric Surgeon, Lakeland’s Comprehensive Weight Loss Center, Niles