A Weighty Health Issue

Given the recent trends of body image and body acceptance campaigns, many Americans are arguing that the media stigmas for body image are unrealistic, and that “real” people are incapable of maintaining bodies like those of svelte models and celebrities doctored and photo-shopped on magazine covers.

I agree with this, but there is a corollary. It is true that healthy bodies and lifestyles can occur in a variety of different shapes, and that those shapes are generally not the chiseled forms in magazine spreads.

However, it is also true that there is a point at which an individual’s weight or body composition (body fat ratio to lean tissue) will put them at risk for highly negative health outcomes, and that whether or not an individual accepts and loves their body at its size doesn’t really matter: the risk of terminal illnesses could still be fast approaching.

Unfortunately, many Americans who may think they’re only packing “a few extra pounds” are actually at this tipping point.

According to a survey published by the Trust for America’s Health, obesity rates for adults did not decrease in any American state in 2009.

"Obesity is harming the health of millions of Americans and resulting in billions of additional dollars in health-care cost," Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health, said during a Wednesday conference. "About one-quarter of health costs are related to obesity. Obesity is one of the biggest contributors to chronic diseases.”

So how exactly is obesity defined, then?

Obesity is defined as being 20% over normal body weight. Keep in mind, those who are extremely active and engage in vigorous activity will have more weight due to muscle mass- this muscle mass is an acceptable and healthy reason for a heavier body weight.

Take, for instance, two examples: one for males, one for females.

Judy is an average college student. She exercises 4 days a week for an hour each time. Judy is 5’4 and weighs 120 pounds. Judy is at an ideal body weight.

If Judy were overweight, she would weigh more than her ideal body weight, but not as high as 20% more. If Judy were 144-150 pounds (with a higher percentage of body fat), she would be considered obese.

To be considered morbidly obese, Judy would have to be 100% above her ideal body weight-240 Pounds.

Tim is also an average college student with average gym activity 4 days a week. Tim is 5’10 and weighs 166 pounds. Tim is at an ideal body weight.

To be classified as overweight, Tim would have to be over 166 pounds but less than 199- at which point he would be considered obese.

A study published by Science Daily detailed the rise in obesity as “fat has become the new normal”. This study, and many others like it, suggest that because so many Americans pack a few extra pounds, our cultural ideas of what we considered a “normal” weight have changed.

Louise Chang, MD, explained the epidemic in this fashion, “If you're tall enough to stand out in a crowd, you're probably aware of your tallness – maybe even self-conscious about it. But imagine that you're in a room full of basketball players. Suddenly, you don't seem so tall anymore. Your above-average height feels normal.”

The same situation with excessive body mass is happening in America. The average American weighs 23 pounds more than their ideal body weight.

Although weight is a sensitive subject to most people, it is important to recognize that there is a separation between “healthy” and “unhealthy”, and that a weight too low for your body, or too high (in this case) can cause severely detrimental health outcomes.

Many people do not want to acknowledge their extra weight because they either do not realize how little extra weight it takes (only 24 extra pounds, in Judy’s case, above) to be classified as obese, or they are uncomfortable with the idea that they have allowed themselves to become another member of America’s unhealthy population.

However, not acknowledging an unhealthy lifestyle or weight is one of the worst things you can do for yourself, mentally and physically. By adapting to healthier habits slowly, you may add years to your life, and improve your overall quality of life.

The top three diseases linked with early death (Cancer, Diabetes, and Cardiac disease) are all commonly caused by this accumulation of excess weight.

The most common negative health outcomes associated with excess body mass include:

Coronary Heart Disease
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Endometrial (Lining of the Uterus) Cancer, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Prostate Cancer
Sleep Apnea
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Gallbladder Disease and Gallstones
Gout (Painful inflammation of the joints)
Dyslipidemia (High levels of total Cholesterol or Triglycerides (fats) in the blood)
Osteoarthritis (The degeneration of both the bone and its cartilage)
Asthma and other Breathing Problems
Gynecological Issues (Abnormal menstrual cycles, infertility)

Even if you’re only modestly overweight (10-20 pounds), you can have an increased risk for the outcomes above if your weight is concentrated in your abdominal area.

If you’re concerned about excess body weight and would like to learn more about taking steps to achieve a healthier body weight, talk to your physician, and visit the following sites- the mypyramid website evens provides personalized plans to help you meet your specific goals.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/what-is-obesity
http://www.mypyramid.gov/