| Tweet |
Taking charge of your health has never been so important. Already in 2008, we’ve seen serious health issues – obesity, diabetes and even insurance and healthcare funding, making headlines. Proper self-care and an active approach to prevention are major parts of the national conversation. You can take steps to stay healthy, and the first one is to be informed. The following pages present a look at obesity and diabetes, and covers the latest in everything from bariatric surgery to eye care. It will help you to become an educated consumer and an active participant in your own health.
HEALTH WATCH: OBESITY IN AMERICA
Obesity is fast becoming one of the most deadly, widespread, and expensive health concerns in America. Although some demographics struggle with this more than others, it affects everyone – adults, teens, and children. Every race and socioeconomic class. And while the issue has come to the forefront of public dialogue, it’s getting worse.
American obesity rates over the past 20 to 30 years have increased dramatically. According to the Obesity Society, over 64 percent of the U.S. population is currently either overweight or obese – that’s over 192 million people! It is most prevalent in adults ages 40 to 59, in which 40 percent of men and 41 percent of women are considered obese.
The Center for Disease Control notes the prevalence is even higher in some races and ethnicities. About 53 percent of non-Hispanic black women and 51 percent of Mexican-American women ages 40 to 59 are considered obese. “In view of these alarmingly high rates of obesity in all population groups, CDC has made the prevention of obesity one of its top public health priorities,” said Janet Collins, Ph.D., director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, in a press release last November. “We are actively working in partnership with state and local public health agencies, the Nation’s schools, community organizations, businesses, medical systems, and faith communities to promote and support healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy weight.”
Obesity has been associated with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, sleep apnea, stroke, hypertension and even some forms of cancer. The number of people with Type 2 diabetes increased by 25 percent in the past twenty years, and the prevalence of other obesity-related conditions has increased as well.
The financial burden of a society in poor health is dramatic. According to the CDC, obesity and weight-related healthcare costs the U.S. healthcare system more than $78.5 billion in 1998, or almost 10 percent of the healthcare budget. Obesity is linked to mental health and depression and being overweight can exacerbate depression and lead to social stigmas, especially in children.
Carrying extra body fat impacts quality of life, body image, confidence, and social interaction. Depression may also contribute to weight gain and lead to obesity if a person is immobilized by stress or overeating to suppress emotions. So although the link between depression and obesity may work both ways, it definitely exists and is a cause for concern.
Obesity can be caused by lifestyle – overeating, not eating a healthy diet, and not getting enough exercise – and it can also be caused by other health conditions. But the bottom line is obesity is not just a matter of appearance – it’s serious and deadly. If you’re overweight, taking charge of your health is the first step toward getting healthy.
