This blog was written by Samantha Whiteside. Meet our blogging fitness specialists at the NIFS website.
Supersize portions. Hydrogenated and over-processed foods. Lack of activity and responsibility. Decreased nutrient-rich foods in school systems. All of these reasons and more have led America to be the most obese country in the world.
The Risks and Consequences of Obesity
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. Obesity a risk factor for not just heart disease and high blood pressure, but also for osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, high cholesterol and triglycerides, respiratory problems, cancer, sleep apnea, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and a decrease in life expectancy.
How much of a drain is this epidemic on our society? Obesity kills approximately 300,000 people in the United States every year and we spend $117 billion annually on obesity-related healthcare.
Do I have your attention yet?
Tips for Living a Healthier Life
Wonder what you can do to lead a healthier life? Here are a few tips to take you into 2011 and beyond:
- Get more active—every day.
- Focus your diet on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.
- Participate in corporate wellness programs.
- Sign up for a gym; or if your company has a worksite fitness center, begin using it.
- Take part in employee health fairs, classes, and health promotion trainings.
- Stay educated. If your employer has onsite wellness staff, use them as your go-to resource.
- Reduce your daily stress. Take advantage of worksite stress-management classes.
Obesity is no longer a silent epidemic. Obesity is screaming, shaking both fists, and asking everyone to step up to the plate and make a change.
After all, how much value is really in a value meal?