Wednesday, December 12, 2012

OBESITY

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease with a strong familial component along with the interaction of environment. A person is considered to be obese if his Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or more. BMI is a mathematical calculation used to determine whether the patient is overweight or obese. The BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s body weight by their height in meter2.

BMI = wt in kgs/ ht in m2.


RISK OF BEING OBESE:
  1. Increases death toll & disability
  2. Obese people are more prone to accidents & falls.
  3. Increases one’s risk of developing high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, cancers of breast, prostrate & colon.
  4. Are more susceptible to arthritis (osteo & rheumatoid), gout, impaired immune response, impaired respiratory function, infections following wounds, infertility, lower back pain & sleep apnea.

WEIGHT REDUCTION TIPS:
Small changes in lifestyle help a lot in weight loss.
  1. Start exercising for at least 30-45 mins at least 5 days a wk.
  2. Create opportunities to increase physical activity – use stairs instead of elevators, get off the bus one/ two stops early & walk
  3. Regularize your meal pattern & portion size. Skipping meals will not help.
  4. Choose your meals carefully. Make healthy choices
  5. Reduce oil consumption, junk foods & increase vegetable portions.

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