By Eileen McNichols
Little Company of Mary Hospital
One of the most common health challenges in the United States today is obesity. Obesity is a medical term that refers to a Body Mass Index (BMI) that increases the risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and joint disease. Many people who struggle with their weight have all the information they need to lose weight, yet they struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Obviously, there is more to it than just having the information.
Obesity occurs when one takes in more calories than the body needs. Being overweight and obesity are related to genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. There are myriad weight loss programs available. However, research from the National Academy of Sciences shows that the percentage of people who are able to lose weight and keep it off is as small as one to three percent. Many factors contribute to consuming more calories than the body needs. Some people develop unhealthy eating habits as children and struggle to change those habits as adults. Most adults are less physically active than they were as children. Additionally, busy schedules of working adults can make it difficult to shop, plan healthy meals and make time for exercise.
Factors such as stress, anxiety and lack of sleep also can lead to weight gain. People who quit smoking often experience weight gain. Women may also have trouble losing the weight gained during pregnancy and/or during menopause. In some cases, these factors contribute to the onset of morbid obesity and a host of health problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and joint and back pain.
What is the secret to losing excess pounds and maintaining a healthy body weight? There really is no easy answer. Every person is an individual with unique genetic makeup, behaviors developed from childhood, life stressors and environmental factors. The good news is that there is help available to find the underlying cause of your particular struggle and solutions that work for you.
A comprehensive approach includes nutritional education and support, psychological counseling, medical weight management with specialized physician supervision and if needed, surgical options. Utilizing the most current research and ongoing support and encouragement, Little Company of Mary Hospital has a multidisciplinary approach to help you be successful. For more information on the final solution to help with lifelong healthy weight management call 708-423-5774. For more information about Little Company of Mary’s bariatric program, go to www.lcmh.org/bariatric.
Top four programs this month
Little Company of Mary Hospital, 2800 W. 95th St. Info/registration 708-423-5774, www.lcmh.org
In Balance: “Updates on Bariatric Surgery” with bariatric surgeon Scott Schimpke, MD, Thurs., Sept. 5, 1:30 p.m. Free.
Health Academy: “Updates on Ovarian Cancer” with gynecology oncologist Carrie McIlwain, MD, Mon., Sept. 9, 11 a.m. Free.
Lung Cancer Screening, Sat., Sept. 14, 8 a.m. to noon, Outpatient Care Center, 6700 W. 95th St. Includes a low dose CT scan of the chest; must meet criteria. Registration required. $125.
New! Calcium Scoring Screening, a noninvasive CT scan of the heart to calculate risk of developing coronary artery disease. Registration required. $99.