For many the additional 20 pounds puts their BMI (Body Mass Index) above 30, classifying them as obese.

Healthcare professionals have recently modified the standards for defining and treating obese and overweight persons. The morbidity and mortality risks associated with excessive body weight and obesity, as well as the health benefits of weight loss, have become more apparent.

As the prevalence of obesity and overweight persons in the United States continues to increase, so do health hazards associated with obesity. Excessive body fat has been linked to a variety of physical disorders, many of which have life-threatening consequences, such as cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, congestive heart failure, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems, sleep apnea, gout, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of cancer. However, even modest degrees of weight loss (10% or 2 BMI units) can result in marked clinical improvements in obesity comorbidities. For many this can be achieved by the loss of 15 to 20 pounds. Maintaining that weight loss for 2 to 5 years has added benefits.

Weight Loss Can Reduce Health Costs
Obtaining and maintaining a healthy body weight can improve insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, and lipid levels thereby improving symptoms of type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Weight loss can also decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis, improve or diminish sleep apnea, and normalize reproductive disorders. Weight loss has also been demonstrated to improve psychosocial functioning and overall quality of life.

The Economic Toll of Obesity
Obesity and obesity-related diseases have a significant effect on the costs of health care and the use of healthcare services in the United States. Although economic data on obesity in the past have been minimal, recent studies have examined the cost of obesity at the national level and at the managed care level. One study published by Wolf and Colditz in "Obesity Res." illustrated the staggering economic toll of obesity in terms of the treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, cancer and musculoskeletal disorders. The study estimated that the direct cost of obesity in the United States in 1995 was approximately $51.6 billion. The indirect cost, which reflects lost productivity and premature mortality, was approximately $47. 6 billion and the total economic cost of obesity in 1995 were estimated to be $99.2 billion.

Treating Excess Weight and Obesity
Obesity is a multifactorial disease that is the product of a combination of genetic, environmental, cultural, socioeconomic and psychological factors. In general, obesity is seen to result from the imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. The reason for this imbalance continues to be investigated. Obesity is a very complex disorder of appetite regulation and energy metabolism that needs to be treated on a long-term basis to be successful. Researchers continue to work on developing safe and effective therapies that yield long-term success. Maybe someday it will be as easy as taking an obesity vaccine to prevent the onset of the disease, but until that day arrives there are some things you can do before your weight affects your health.

Achieving a Healthy Weight
Use the BMI calculator to determine your BMI. If you have a BMI above 25 you are classified as overweight. If you are overweight, start now to achieve a more desirable weight. Start slowly and remember losing weight at a healthy rate and maintaining the loss is as important as obtaining a healthy weight. One half to two pounds per week is considered healthy without medical supervision. You can achieve this by incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day, adding plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and decreasing highly refined carbohydrates and high fat items. Make little changes everyday and always in a positive way. Forget fad diets and quick fixes. Achieving and/or maintaining a healthy weight is a life long process. It takes commitment and a lot of work, but the return on your investment will be higher than anything you will find on the Dow.

For more information or questions contact: Kathy at www.anutritionchoice.com

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem. Please consult your health care provider if you suspect you are ill, or have questions about your condition.