New Findings On Obesity and Its Effect On Overall Health
Is it okay to be overweight? A widely publicized study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2005 seemed to answer "yes."
Government researchers analyzed large national surveys and concluded that obesity could be linked to about 112,000 deaths annually in the U.S. That’s a lot of deaths, but far fewer than previous estimates. What was most shocking was the finding that people who are slightly or moderately overweight, but not obese, may actually have a lower death rate than those at a "normal weight."
First of all, what is normal, overweight, or obese? That, of course, is the crux of the matter. The study used the standard ranges based on the body mass index (BMI, a weight-to-height formula). I have addressed this thoroughly in the past and don’t really want to do the numbers again. For one thing, this chart doesn’t include allowances for muscle weight, which is more than fat-weight. Muscle weighs more and we see football players and weight lifters who are obviously big in every way and yet they are looked upon as healthy and strong. All my life, people have told me that I look healthy and they didn’t ask my weight. I have seen people of my height and weighing 20 - 30 pounds less, who were all flabby and double-chinned. My life has been full of exercise: biking, swimming, football, cross-country, tennis, badminton and walking long distances. Doctors have always called in other physicians to explain that my well-defined muscle was probably responsible for saving me from an early crippling due to rheumatoid arthritis. I am flattered by strangers, friends and family, when they remark about how good I look. The number on the scale has always been a concern to me because it didn’t match the numbers on the chart of healthy weight.
There always has been debate about these numbers and what optimal weight is. Before 1998 the ranges were looser. At 5'8", overweight didn’t begin until 180 pounds. These lines are hard to draw, and this study (as well as some research) suggests that the "normal" range may now be too low.
If the new study is correct, fewer Americans are dying of obesity-related illnesses than expected. One explanation is that things have changed, particularly after age 60. JAMA showed that Americans, especially those overweight, not obese, are at far lower risk for cardiovascular disease than 20 to 40 years ago. Largely because they have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, on average, due to education on exercise, better eating habits, lower smoking rates and even medication. Remarkably, overall death rates from heart attacks have been cut in half since 1980.
The bad news about these new studies is that some people think that it’s okay to pack on the pounds. However, there’s no question that obesity (flab) increases the risk of heart attacks. People who are built strong, sturdy and muscular, are not in the same category. This has often been mentioned, but not clearly stated. Obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis of the knees, and hips, and some cancers, and it can also shorten lives.
Doctors were amazed that I would remain mobile over a 24 year span, when it was predicted I would be in a wheelchair within one to three years of the onset of crippling rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle does matter, knowledge does help and attitude can make a difference. The muscles were the key, according to my doctors – they kept the bone mass and compensated for the loss of cartilage. With four herniated discs in my back and every joint and muscle inflamed, I continued until March of this year, before realizing the last stages of rheumatoid arthritis had begun to take a serious toll on my mobility.
I share all this with you, as anecdotal evidence of the benefits of exercise, healthy eating, and a healthy attitude involving mind, body and spirit.
Obese people die as a result of obesity which often results from a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. These factors put them at great risk. The health risks of being merely 10 or 20 pounds overweight are especially unclear. However that weight is relative to your height, family history, exercise regimen, smoking, blood sugar and blood pressure.
For many people, being moderately overweight is not a health problem, except that it usually leads to more weight gain. Obesity is epidemic in America, increasingly amongst the young. The cost in health care dollars is skyrocketing and the lack of regular home-cooked meals for our children is leading them more and more to frequent the fast (fat) food chains. High Fructose Corn Syrup, high sodium content, processed sugar and hydrogenated vegetable oils are amongst the villains of our unhealthy eating habits.
Wanting to live a healthier life, exercising and acknowledging the causes of your poor health are good starting points. Your lifestyle has everything to do with your health. Playing tennis, walking, biking, badminton, sledding, or skiing take off calories and put you a long way from the refrigerator. These activities will help prevent a build up around your waist. Your attitude and interests play a role, as well. Some people use meditation or prayer, relaxation techniques, reading and fresh air. Maintenance of your body, choosing your environment and eating healthy are crucial considerations to a longer, healthier and happier lifestyle.
Government researchers analyzed large national surveys and concluded that obesity could be linked to about 112,000 deaths annually in the U.S. That’s a lot of deaths, but far fewer than previous estimates. What was most shocking was the finding that people who are slightly or moderately overweight, but not obese, may actually have a lower death rate than those at a "normal weight."
First of all, what is normal, overweight, or obese? That, of course, is the crux of the matter. The study used the standard ranges based on the body mass index (BMI, a weight-to-height formula). I have addressed this thoroughly in the past and don’t really want to do the numbers again. For one thing, this chart doesn’t include allowances for muscle weight, which is more than fat-weight. Muscle weighs more and we see football players and weight lifters who are obviously big in every way and yet they are looked upon as healthy and strong. All my life, people have told me that I look healthy and they didn’t ask my weight. I have seen people of my height and weighing 20 - 30 pounds less, who were all flabby and double-chinned. My life has been full of exercise: biking, swimming, football, cross-country, tennis, badminton and walking long distances. Doctors have always called in other physicians to explain that my well-defined muscle was probably responsible for saving me from an early crippling due to rheumatoid arthritis. I am flattered by strangers, friends and family, when they remark about how good I look. The number on the scale has always been a concern to me because it didn’t match the numbers on the chart of healthy weight.
There always has been debate about these numbers and what optimal weight is. Before 1998 the ranges were looser. At 5'8", overweight didn’t begin until 180 pounds. These lines are hard to draw, and this study (as well as some research) suggests that the "normal" range may now be too low.
If the new study is correct, fewer Americans are dying of obesity-related illnesses than expected. One explanation is that things have changed, particularly after age 60. JAMA showed that Americans, especially those overweight, not obese, are at far lower risk for cardiovascular disease than 20 to 40 years ago. Largely because they have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, on average, due to education on exercise, better eating habits, lower smoking rates and even medication. Remarkably, overall death rates from heart attacks have been cut in half since 1980.
The bad news about these new studies is that some people think that it’s okay to pack on the pounds. However, there’s no question that obesity (flab) increases the risk of heart attacks. People who are built strong, sturdy and muscular, are not in the same category. This has often been mentioned, but not clearly stated. Obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis of the knees, and hips, and some cancers, and it can also shorten lives.
Doctors were amazed that I would remain mobile over a 24 year span, when it was predicted I would be in a wheelchair within one to three years of the onset of crippling rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle does matter, knowledge does help and attitude can make a difference. The muscles were the key, according to my doctors – they kept the bone mass and compensated for the loss of cartilage. With four herniated discs in my back and every joint and muscle inflamed, I continued until March of this year, before realizing the last stages of rheumatoid arthritis had begun to take a serious toll on my mobility.
I share all this with you, as anecdotal evidence of the benefits of exercise, healthy eating, and a healthy attitude involving mind, body and spirit.
Obese people die as a result of obesity which often results from a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. These factors put them at great risk. The health risks of being merely 10 or 20 pounds overweight are especially unclear. However that weight is relative to your height, family history, exercise regimen, smoking, blood sugar and blood pressure.
For many people, being moderately overweight is not a health problem, except that it usually leads to more weight gain. Obesity is epidemic in America, increasingly amongst the young. The cost in health care dollars is skyrocketing and the lack of regular home-cooked meals for our children is leading them more and more to frequent the fast (fat) food chains. High Fructose Corn Syrup, high sodium content, processed sugar and hydrogenated vegetable oils are amongst the villains of our unhealthy eating habits.
Wanting to live a healthier life, exercising and acknowledging the causes of your poor health are good starting points. Your lifestyle has everything to do with your health. Playing tennis, walking, biking, badminton, sledding, or skiing take off calories and put you a long way from the refrigerator. These activities will help prevent a build up around your waist. Your attitude and interests play a role, as well. Some people use meditation or prayer, relaxation techniques, reading and fresh air. Maintenance of your body, choosing your environment and eating healthy are crucial considerations to a longer, healthier and happier lifestyle.
posted by Stan Kent at
9:30 PM
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