Overweight and Obesity
Being overweight refers to having too much body fat in
relation to lean body mass. This is typically defined as having a body mass
index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Being overweight can increase the risk of health
problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. To address being
overweight & Obesity, it is recommended to make lifestyle changes such as eating a
healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy
weight. In some cases, a person may need to work with a healthcare provider to
develop a weight management plan.
Overweight Health Risks Management
Being overweight or obese can
increase the risk of a variety of health problems, including:
- Heart
disease
- Type 2
diabetes
- High
blood pressure
- Certain
cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
- Sleep
apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Fatty
liver disease
- Kidney
disease
Managing overweight and obesity includes a
combination of lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular
physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.
- Diet:
Eating a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help with weight management. It
is also important to limit the intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and
sodium.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help burn calories and improve overall health. The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults, in addition to muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week.
- Behavioral
therapy: It can help with weight management by addressing the
psychological and emotional factors that may contribute to overeating or
inactivity.
- Medications:
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe weight-loss medications
as part of a treatment plan. These medications can help curb appetite or
enhance weight loss.
- Bariatric
surgery: In severe cases of obesity, bariatric surgery may be recommended.
This type of surgery alters the digestive system to limit food intake
and/or absorption of nutrients.
It is always advisable to work with a healthcare
provider to develop a weight management plan that is tailored to your
individual needs and health status
