BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) & OBESITY

WHAT IS BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)?

BMI is a reliable and internationally accepted index that indicates the amount of body fat in an individual.

General calculations determine the balance between height and weight to calculate BMI. Depending on your results, you may be at risk for serious health problems.



OBESITY, THE NEW EPIDEMIC!

We have all heard about it in the newspapers, magazines, radio and television reports, Americans are getting heavier.  Not just adults, but also our children, are weighing in at an all-time high!  Chalk it up to super sized portions of foods high in fat, sugar, and "bad" carbohydrates.  Combine this poor diet with a lack of exercise, and you have the perfect recipe for obesity!

Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of health complications and morbidity (death) from the following diseases:



For a healthier lifestyle, please see

DIET DO'S & DON'TS
and
EXERCISE RECOMMENDATIONS
WHAT CAUSES OBESITY?

  • The most common cause of obesity is overeating.  Your body only needs a certain amount of energy from food to run efficiently.  It cannot store excess protein and carbohydrates so it converts it to stored fat.

  • Here is something to think about:  One pound of fat is equal to approximately 3500 excess calories depending upon your metabolism.

YOUR RISK FOR OBESITY INCREASES WITH:

  • Excess alcohol consumption

  • Genetic factors.  Some individuals have a very slow metabolism while others have a naturally high metabolic rate.  This can be very frustrating because those who have difficulty in keeping their weight under control see little or no progress yet others can eat anything they want and stay thin.

  • Lack of exercise while cosuming the same amount of calories.

  • Stress, depression. low self esteem, nervous tension

  • Poor eating habits acquired as a child.






Being overweight can contribute
to many serious health problems.
      HOW DO I PREVENT OBESITY?

  • Exercise regularly, at the very least 3 times a week.  Consult your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

  • See our EXERCISE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Eat a smaller portion of foods high in fat, sugar and "bad" carbohydrates.  Consult your doctor before starting a new eating plan or diet.

  • See our DIET DO'S & DON'TS

  • Don't drink more than 1 or 2 alcohol drinks per day