Calculating one’s Body Mass Index, or BMI, has become a popular way of categorising you into either underweight, normal, overweight or obese parameters. This method was devised by Adolphe Quetelet from Belgium as early as the mid 1800’s and the parameters are set as follows:

Below 18.5 – Under weight (A BMI of 17 qualifies for anorexia)
18.5 to 25 – Optimal weight
25 to 30 – Over weight
30 + – Obese
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While most young people focus on their weight in response to an aesthetic need, the health dangers presented by being overweight are dangerous and manifold. In fact, many of those who have lost significant amounts of weight will testify to feeling so much healthier and more energised since their weight loss.

Some of the better-known side-effects of being fat or obese include:

1.    Sleep Apnoea: This sleeping disorder causes the overweight person to stop breathing for one or more breaths, despite efforts to breath. Each pause in the breathing is known as an apnoea and lasts for at least 10 seconds. This lack of oxygen causes the oxygen in the blood to decrease as well as severe disruption of deep sleep. The sufferer will usually be tired during the day, even if he / she is not aware that they suffer from the disorder.
2.    Diabetes: When the body is dealing with excess fat levels, it becomes resistant to naturally-formed insulin. This leads to insufficient energy being transported to the cells throughout the body. This is a very dangerous illness and requires carefully monitored treatment.
3.    Stroke: A stroke is defined as a disturbance of the blood vessels transporting nutrient-rich blood to the brain. It is caused by a blockage within the blood vessel. This, in turn, is cause by an air bubble, blood clot, or fat globule forming inside the vessel and being transported with the blood to the brain. When a person is overweight, they are at a considerably increased risk of forming such fat blockages, leading to possible disability and even death.
4.    High Blood Pressure: Excess fat leads to the body’s retention of sodium, which increases the blood volume and pressure. An increased blood pressure forces the heart muscle to work harder as it tries to ensure that the blood in circulated and oxygenated sufficiently. Placing this type of strain on the heart all the time is a recipe for disaster.
5.    Osteoarthritis: Knees, hips, ankles and spines work much harder trying to support an overweight person than someone of a healthy weight. Cartilage is eroded by joints under pressure. This leads to a host of osteoporotic problems as well as an enormous amount of discomfort.
6.    Abnormal Blood Fats (Cholesterol): More saturated fats in the blood increase the level of unhealthy cholesterol (LDL – low-density lipoproteins). These build up on the inside walls of the arteries and lead to blockages.
7.    Cancer: Fat is living tissue that actively produces hormones. These hormones are thought to increase the risk of cancer, particularly in women.
8.    Discomfort: Of course, being overweight also leads to the sufferer being hot, uncomfortable and even in pain as their body tries to support and transport their ample body. The heart works harder trying to get blood to all the tissues of the body (as fat is rich in blood vessels), causing strain and fatigue.

Clearly, then, the dangers posed by being overweight far outweigh any perceived benefits of indulging in fat- and sugar-rich foods.

There are a number of new Weight Loss Medications available on the market today. However, these Medications are not intended for the average person who has an extra 10 pounds to lose before their wedding. Prescription Diet Medications are designed for people who are significantly obese or have weight-related medical problems that must be corrected quickly to prevent further complications. Here is a basic guide to determining if weight loss drugs may be right for you. Of course, you must always consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation and prescription.

There are certain guidelines concerning who may be prescribed Diet Medications. A patient must have a body mass index that is over 30, unless they have other obesity-related health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure. These severe medical conditions lower the body mass index requirement to 27. Whether or not a medical condition is obesity-related and grounds for prescribing medication can depend on the doctor, so get a second opinion if you disagree with your doctor’s assessment. These health problems can become severe if left unchecked and prescription weight loss Medications may be the answer you have been looking for. Read more »

A group of researchers from 5 major medical centers found that eating a specific diet rich in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy can be a powerful tool in lowering blood pressure.

The dash Diet(Dietary Approaches to Stop hypertension) was found in 1996 to lower blood pressure about the same as a blood pressure medication would, and since that time has quickly become one of the most often prescribed diets in clinical practice today.

The dash Diet is recommended by the American Heart
Association, in the USDA’s 2005 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, and is featured in the US High Blood Pressure Guidelines.

The dash Diet Study 459 people were chosen to participate in the Dash Diet Study. They were randomly assigned to one of three different types:

* The “typical American diet”

* A diet with more fruits and vegetables, but otherwise similar to the typical American diet

* dash Diet” – rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products; moderate in fish, poultry, and nuts; and reduced in red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened drinks.

To assure they weren’t doing anything else that might lower their blood pressure, participants were asked not to make any major changes in the physical activity levels during the study. Read more »

Controlling your weight and avoiding weight gain as you get older are important ways to prevent a host of weight-related health problems.

Indeed, if you are more than 20 pounds over your ideal weight, you are at greater risk for a rogues’ gallery of potentially deadly conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, and breast cancer.

What’s more, most people who are overweight tend to avoid exercise, and that avoidance just adds to the toll paid for extra pounds.

If you have a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight, you are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems. And, if you already have a medical condition such as high cholesterol, being overweight puts you at higher risk for complications.
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