A body mass index of 30 or higher is categorized as obesity. The CDC has reported that about 42.4 percent of adult Americans are obese. That has increased by 30 percent over two decades. Obesity is linked with certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even certain cancers.
Obesity can also cause musculoskeletal pain conditions, and increase the risk for one in the first place. Researchers have found that excess weight puts added strain on joints and soft tissues. This increases the risk for injuries. Obesity can also cause inflammation in the body, which leads to developing back and neck pain and other related conditions. Obesity has many long term health issues and can make daily activities harder to carry out because of musculoskeletal pain.
Many people tend to believe that they have a family history of obesity. Sometimes, this is not actually due to genetics, but more so, shared lifestyle habits among the family. But even if there is a genetic predisposition for obesity, research shows that engaging in a healthy lifestyle could possibly change how the genes are expressed. This may mean it just may be a little more difficult to achieve a healthier weight, but definitely not impossible.
Fat is stored as excess calories in the body. Staying in a calorie deficit (diet and exercise), are considered to be the way to lose weight because you are able to control and count how many calories are consumed, and how much exercise you need to burn those calories.
There is certainly no one diet that may work best for everyone, but current research promotes a diet with lots of fruits and veggies, lean meats, and healthy fats. It also suggests to lower intake of red meat, added sugar, and highly processed foods. Pay attention to the time of day in which calories are consumed. Some experts advise eater smaller meals through the whole day, and others say to intermittent fast. Don’t be afraid to try different techniques to find what works best for you and your body.
Current CDC guidelines recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, as well as two resistance training sessions that target major muscle groups. Try joining the local gym, or taking a yoga class to see what you enjoy most.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise program, and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Your doctor may be able to give you advice or even recommend a dietitian/ personal trainer.