Obesity and Type Two Diabetes: a Growing Concern

Four in ten people in the United States may be obese by 2018—this according a study, sponsored by the United Health Foundation, Partnership for Prevention, and American Public Health Association in conjunction with their annual America’s Health Rankings. 

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, obesity is quickly becoming the number one cause of death in America—followed closely by diabetes. 

In Massachusetts, 1.2 million adults are obese, close to 23 percent of the adult population.

Obesity is preventable, and Type 2 Diabetes is often triggered by obesity or weight gain. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when cells in the body have become insulin resistant and can no longer use insulin properly. The body depends on insulin to use glucose for energy.

Education and lifestyle changes can help prevent obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.  Adults must take on the challenge of educating themselves as well as their children about the pitfalls and downsides to obesity and diabetes.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are the foundations for a healthy lifestyle—two things with which overweight people struggle.

People do not realize that there are ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive gym memberships and diet plans.  There are simple lifestyle changes that can be made to improve one’s health—ultimately helping to avoid serious future health complications.

Here are a few simple lifestyle alterations that can be made:

Play with your children.  Inviting your child for a bike ride or for a game of catch is a great way to improve your health as well as your child’s.

Go for a walk.  If you work, take 10 minutes out of your lunch break to enjoy a walk.  Not only is this good exercise, but walking increases mental stimulation that will help your productivity in the afternoon.

Replace your chips with an apple.  Substituting an unhealthy food (like a bag of chips) for a healthy food (like an apple) can cut upwards of 200 calories a day—helping you maintain a healthy diet. 

Take the stairs.  The average person will lose 2.5 pounds in a year by choosing the staircase over the elevator.

Start small, and set goals.  More often than not, people fail or relapse in their efforts because their chosen lifestyle changes were too radical.  Rather than setting a few large, unrealistic goals, establish a series of small goals that are easy to accomplish.  This will give your body time to adjust to a more sustainable everyday routine.  Consistency is the key to good health. 

After smoking, obesity is America’s leading preventable cause of premature death—and it is poised to become the number one cause. 

Sustaining a healthy lifestyle will reduce the risk of obesity and long-term health complications, like diabetes and heart disease. 

It is important to be motivated when lifestyle changes are being made.  Staying motivated will ultimately lead to success.

Stephen Bernardi is a registered pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham. Readers with questions can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.