The obesity rate in the U.S. seems to be on a deadly path. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 3 out of every 10 americans is now considered obese. In 2007, it was 25% of americans. That means an additional 2.5 million of us have moved to the ‘obese’ category since 2007.
I want to clarify what the standard for ‘obesity’ is. With the use of a BMI scale (body mass index), those over 30 are considered obese. This scale uses the ratio between height and weight to come up with its value.
So, the ranges on the BMI scale are as follows:
- Less than 18.5 – underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9 – normal weight
- 25 to 29.9 – overweight
- 30+ – obese
The problem is that the health impact that increased weight has on a person. It causes such a large range of associated health conditions that I can’t even list them here.
However, I believe the fix is at home.
Let me give you some tips on how we, as a nation, need to reverse this scary trend.
- Increased physical activity is needed. We’ve become a nation of inactivity.
- We must watch what we eat. That includes “what” we eat and “how much” we eat.
- We must see the effects. If you don’t understand what the long term health effects are, it may not be enough to cause you to change.
- It starts with the kids. We must teach our children what is proper and healthy. With that said, they watch every move we make and follow our lead.
- Forget about the ‘quick fix’. There are no quick fixes. It takes time, but it’s sooo worth it.
These are some of the tips that we must take to prevent us from continuing on the path to a nation of illness.
It starts with you.
SQ