But what is obesity? Well, I'm glad you asked. There is a handy formula to help us calculate whether our middle-age spread is going, or has gone, too far. It is called the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiplying by 704.5.A desirable BMI is 21. Overweight begins at 25 and obesity is 30 or higher.
The medical implications of this are many. Large clinical studies link obesity to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers. Yes, I said cancer. The American Heart Association has recently reclassified obesity upward to a major risk factor for a heart attack.
Anyone who has gained more than 25 pounds since age 18 should seriously consider seeing a primary care physician. And please do this before you start an exercise program. You could well be on the road to diabetes or have signs of impending coronary artery disease and not know it. Only a thorough medical check-up will tell you whether you are developing any of these conditions. So while you should be lauded for wanting to adjust your lifestyle to combat this problem, get a check-up first to make sure you can follow-thru with these admirable desires safely!
You also may be thinking that you've tried shedding pounds before to achieve your "ideal" weight and have been disappointed. It is perfectly natural to feel this way but you shouldn't. I suggest not thinking about the term "ideal", instead think "healthier". It's a lot better that individuals who are overweight or obese focus on a healthier weight, rather than the possibly unachievable "ideal" weight. Remember, "Ideal" is just a bunch of numbers on some insurance chart- they do not take into consideration individual nuances that may make the "ideal" impossible to attain. A "healthier" weight is much more realistic and can translate into just a 5-10 percent weight loss. It will make a difference.
Good- now you're motivated. That's the first and, in my opinion, the most important step. The next step is action. That starts with a visit to your physician to discuss the plan that is best suited to your particular needs. But whatever that plans is, please keep one very important fact in mind - there is no quick fix! This will be the start of a marathon that will hopefully last the rest of your life, not a sprint for a couple of months.
Get together with your primary care physician to develop a program of weight reduction and maintenance. Remember, it can be done and is being done every day. Good luck
I'm Pedro E. Checo, MD, FACP board-certified in Internal Medicine with over 21 years of experience in the care of the Adult patients. We're delighted you have chosen us for your Adult healthcare needs.
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