Overweight and obesity are epidemic in the United States. Most of us know that being overweight or obese means we are carrying excess, unnecessary fat. These conditions are now numerically defined based on the calculation of the body mass index. A body mass of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and over 30 is considered obese. The normal range is 18.5-24.9. Over 120 million Americans are overweight and over 60 million are obese.

Obesity is now viewed as a chronic disease with multiple causes including genetics, metabolism, behavior, environment, and more. It continues to increase in prevalence in this country despite a mountain of evidence indicating its dangers. Obesity is the second most common preventable cause of death in this country. It also increases the risk of acquiring over twenty different diseases including heart disease, cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more. Obesity increases the risk of dying from nearly all diseases.

There are many approaches to solving the obesity problem. In the end, the balance of healthy diet and adequate exercise are critical. Food choices, lifestyle, and social activities markedly impact obesity. With the increasing awareness of the medical problems associated with obesity, there is also increasing awareness of social stigma and employment limitations. Being obese hurts people in every aspect of life.

If you are overweight or obese you probably know it. Before beginning a diet or exercise program, it is wise to consult with your physician and better define the problem. Find out if you have any underlying medical conditions such as hormonal disorders, lack of sleep, or certain medications that might be contributing to your obesity. These may have to be dealt with before embarking on a successful path toward a healthy weight. Learning to make the right dietary, exercise, and social choices requires time and dedication, but the impact on your health, sense of well-being, enjoyment of life, and self-esteem can be extremely positive. Ultimately, developing an active physical lifestyle and consuming nutritious foods in sensible portions are the key elements to reversing this national epidemic.