Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death. The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of obesity is known as bariatrics. As obesity has become a major health problem in the United States, bariatrics has become a separate medical and surgical specialty. Description. Obesity traditionally has been defined as a weight at least 2.
Twenty to forty percent over ideal weight is considered mildly obese; 4. More recent guidelines for obesity use a measurement called BMI (body mass index) which is the individual's weight multiplied by 7. BMI of 2. 5. 9- 2. BMI over 3. 0 is considered obese. Measurements and comparisons of waist and hip circumference can also provide some information regarding risk factors associated with weight.
The higher the ratio, the greater the chance for weight- associated complications. Calipers can be used to measure skin- fold thickness to determine whether tissue is muscle (lean) or adipose tissue (fat). Much concern has been generated about the increasing incidence of obesity among Americans. Some studies have noted an increase from 1. Other studies have actually estimated that a full 5. Americans are overweight.
The World Health Organization terms obesity a worldwide epidemic, and the diseases which can occur due to obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent. Excessive weight can result in many serious, potentially life- threatening health problems, including hypertension, Type II diabetes mellitus (non- insulin dependent diabetes), increased risk for coronary disease, increased unexplained heart attack, hyperlipidemia, infertility, and a higher prevalence of colon, prostate, endometrial, and, possibly, breast cancer. Approximately 3. 00,0. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M. D., to label obesity . However, the exact cause is not as clear and likely arises from a complex combination of factors. Genetic factors significantly influence how the body regulates the appetite and the rate at which it turns food into energy (metabolic rate).
Studies of adoptees confirm this relationship—the majority of adoptees followed a pattern of weight gain that more closely resembled that of their birth parents than their adoptive parents. A genetic predisposition to weight gain, however, does not automatically mean that a person will be obese. Eating habits and patterns of physical activity also play a significant role in the amount of weight a person gains. Recent studies have indicated that the amount of fat in a person's diet may have a greater impact on weight than the number of calories it contains. Carbohydrates like cereals, breads, fruits, and vegetables and protein (fish, lean meat, turkey breast, skim milk) are converted to fuel almost as soon as they are consumed. Most fat calories are immediately stored in fat cells, which add to the body's weight and girth as they expand and multiply.
A sedentary lifestyle, particularly prevalent in affluent societies, such as in the United States, can contribute to weight gain. Psychological factors, such as depression and low self- esteem may, in some cases, also play a role in weight gain. Height And Weight Goals. Men. Height. Small Frame. Medium Frame. Large Frame. In childhood, excess calories are converted into new fat cells (hyperplastic obesity), while excess calories consumed in adulthood only serve to expand existing fat cells (hypertrophic obesity). Since dieting and exercise can only reduce the size of fat cells, not eliminate them, persons who were obese as children can have great difficulty losing weight, since they may have up to five times as many fat cells as someone who became overweight as an adult.
Obesity can also be a side effect of certain disorders and conditions, including: Cushing's syndrome, a disorder involving the excessive release of the hormone cortisolhypothyroidism, a condition caused by an underactive thyroid glandneurologic disturbances, such as damage to the hypothalamus, a structure located deep within the brain that helps regulate appetiteconsumption of such drugs as steroids, antipsychotic medications, or antidepressants. The major symptoms of obesity are excessive weight gain and the presence of large amounts of fatty tissue. Obesity can also give rise to several secondary conditions, including: arthritis and other orthopedic problems, such as lower back painherniasheartburnadult- onset asthmagum diseasehigh cholesterol levelsgallstoneshigh blood pressuremenstrual irregularities or cessation of menstruation (amenorhhea)decreased fertility, and pregnancy complicationsshortness of breath that can be incapacitatingsleep apnea and sleeping disordersskin disorders arising from the bacterial breakdown of sweat and cellular material in thick folds of skin or from increased friction between foldsemotional and social problems.
Diagnosis. Diagnosis of obesity is made by observation and by comparing the patient's weight to ideal weight charts. Many doctors and obesity researchers refer to the body mass index (BMI), which uses a height- weight relationship to calculate an individual's ideal weight and personal risk of developing obesity- related health problems. Physicians may also obtain direct measurements of an individual's body fat content by using calipers to measure skin- fold thickness at the back of the upper arm and other sites.
The most accurate means of measuring body fat content involves immersing a person in water and measuring relative displacement; however, this method is very impractical and is usually only used in scientific studies requiring very specific assessments. Women whose body fat exceeds 3. Doctors may also note how a person carries excess weight on his or her body. Studies have shown that this factor may indicate whether or not an individual has a predisposition to develop certain diseases or conditions that may accompany obesity. However, to be successful, any treatment must affect life- long behavioral changes rather than short- term weight loss.
Behavior- focused treatment should concentrate on: What and how much a person eats. This aspect may involve keeping a food diary and developing a better understanding of the nutritional value and fat content of foods.
It may also involve changing grocery- shopping habits (e. How a person responds to food. This may involve understanding what psychological issues underlie a person's eating habits. For example, one person may binge eat when under stress, while another may always use food as a reward. In recognizing these psychological triggers, an individual can develop alternate coping mechanisms that do not focus on food. How they spend their time.
Making activity and exercise an integrated part of everyday life is a key to achieving and maintaining weight loss. Starting slowly and building endurance keeps individuals from becoming discouraged. Varying routines and trying new activities also keeps interest high.
The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook offers a scientifically based approach to quick weight and fat loss. Recognizing that people need or simply want to lose weight and fat. Macro Tracking For the Win! All of Your Questions Answered. June 22, 2016; blog / food / Health & Wellness; 210 Comments; 37; Have you ever tried a new diet, lost.
For most individuals who are mildly obese, these behavior modifications entail life- style changes they can make independently while being supervised by a family physician. Other mildly obese persons may seek the help of a commercial weight- loss program (e. Weight Watchers).
The effectiveness of these programs is difficult to assess, since programs vary widely, drop- out rates are high, and few employ members of the medical community. However, programs that emphasize realistic goals, gradual progress, sensible eating, and exercise can be very helpful and are recommended by many doctors. Programs that promise instant weight loss or feature severely restricted diets are not effective and, in some cases, can be dangerous. For individuals who are moderately obese, medically supervised behavior modification and weight loss are required. While doctors will put most moderately obese patients on a balanced, low- calorie diet (1. This therapy, however, should not be confused with commercial liquid protein diets or commercial weight- loss shakes and drinks.
Doctors tailor these diets to specific patients, monitor patients carefully, and use them for only a short period of time. In addition to reducing the amount and type of calories consumed by the patient, doctors will recommend professional therapists or psychiatrists who can help the individual effectively change his or her behavior in regard to eating. For individuals who are severely obese, dietary changes and behavior modification may be accompanied by surgery to reduce or bypass portions of the stomach or small intestine. Although obesity surgery is less risky as of 2. Other surgical procedures are not recommended, including liposuction, a purely cosmetic procedure in which a suction device is used to remove fat from beneath the skin, and jaw wiring, which can damage gums and teeth and cause painful muscle spasms.
Appetite- suppressant drugs are sometimes prescribed to aid in weight loss. These drugs work by increasing levels of serotonin or catecholamine, which are brain chemicals that control feelings of fullness. Appetite suppressants, though, are not considered truly effective, since most of the weight lost while taking them is usually regained after stopping them. Also, suppressants containing amphetamines can be Body/mass index can be calculated by locating your height and weight on the chart and drawing a diagonal line between the two. Where the line crosses over the third bar is the approximate BMI.(Illustration by Argosy Inc.)potentially abused by patients. While most of the immediate side- effects of these drugs are harmless, the long- term effects of these drugs, in many cases, are unknown. Two drugs, dexfenfluramine hydrochloride (Redux) and fenfluramine (Pondimin) as well as a combination fenfluramine- phentermine (Fen/Phen) drug, were taken off the market when they were shown to cause potentially fatal heart defects.
In November 1. 99. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new weight- loss drug, sibutramine (Meridia).
How Many Calories Should I Eat. How Many Calories Do I Need? Nearly everyone has wondered how many calories they should eat. There are calorie calculators all over the internet. Sure, they’ll spit out a number for you, but is this number really correct?
Should every 3. 5 year old female that weighs 1. No. Your metabolism is as unique as your personality. Everyone metabolizes fat, carbohydrates, and protein in different ways.
These calorie calculators are nice for getting a general idea for what your caloric intake should be, but they shouldn’t be the last word on the subject. In order to calculate how many calories you should eat, you need a little bit of information first. What you don’t need is your height or age. What you do need is an understanding of how many calories you burn, and what you’re trying to accomplish.
When it comes to fat loss, we can. The areas on your body to gain fat first are often the areas that will lose. I'm here to say I been on an 800 calorie diet for 4 months the Optifast diet and I have lost 57 lbs. A Weight Loss Plateau can be very frustrating. Learn about different kinds of weight loss plateaus and tips to break even the most stubborn plateau. I was using the body weight calculator and accidentally typed in my weight as 60 pounds. I am a 26 year old female and am 5'3" tall. When I went to view the results.
Are you trying to lose weight? How much do you want to lose? Maybe you’d like to gain weight. Set yourself a goal first, but set realistic, sustainable ones. A swing of . 5- 1% body fat per week in either direction is the maximum you should aiming for. Anything more and the muscle to fat ratio on your body can take a change for the worse.
Melancholyaeon July 18, 2013 Easy start running plan . This is the running plan I used after giving up smoking. Although it looks easy I found. FIGURING OUT YOUR CALORIE INTAKE. First for someone of normal weight to decide how many calories you should be eating while pregnant, you should use your pre. Fifteen hundred calories actually buys you a lot when you. As a sample menu, for breakfast you can.
You also have a higher chance of maintaining your weight loss or gain if you take it slow. I realize everyone wants what they want, and they want it now.
However, . 5% body fat a week for six months equates to a reduction of 1. That’s a lot of weight considering it probably took you a lifetime to put the weight on in the first place. How Many Calories Do I Burn? You might be wondering how many calories you burn during a particular exercise. Instead, you should be trying to figure out how much you burn the rest of the day.
Exercise only burns a small amount of calories compared to the number of calories your body burns the rest of the day. A typical person may burn 1. Run 3 miles, and you’ve burned 3. This is great, but the rest of the day, even while you are relaxing or sleeping, you are burning thousands of calories.
Your muscle is extremely metabolically active. It takes a lot of calories to maintain. This is why it is so important for you to build muscle if you want to efficiently burn fat. Your workouts are great to get a few hundred extra calories burned, and for creating a favorable metabolic environment for fat loss, but the real magic happens when you focus on your nutrition. Your diet is going to be your biggest game changer.
How Many Calories to Lose Weight? OK, OK, you understand that now, but you still need to know how much you should eat to lose weight. The most accurate way to determine your calorie intake is to follow these steps: Set a goal of how much weight loss you desire each week (. You can measure with this cheap pair of body fat calipers. Get yourself a food journal, or use an app like Lose. It or My. Fitness.
Pal so you can write down every single thing you eat. You should be writing down the calories for everything. Eat 1. 0- 1. 2 times your body weight in calories per day. If you are very overweight, use the lower number. Plan your diet out in advance so that you know you are eating this much every single day. Fill your calories with healthy meals.
Here are 1. 00 healthy foods you can eat. Watch the scale. Is your weight going up or down? Give it at least 2 weeks to get an accurate measurement. Be patient! If you’re losing more than 1% of your body mass a week, add 1.
Remember, you don’t want to lose too much too fast. Losing more than 1% of your body mass each week means you’re losing valuable muscle mass.
If after adding 1. The important thing is you find the calorie amount that is going to enable you to eat as many calories as possible and still lose weight. This will keep your fat loss progress going, and ensure that the weight you lose is fat instead of muscle. Read more about why you might not be eating enough calories to lose weight. If when you started off eating 1.
Once that happens you can start cutting calories again, but only 1. You don’t need drastic cuts to get weight loss moving forward again. SPECIAL NOTE: Some people may see drastic weight loss at 1. You will eventually cause metabolic damage that will be difficult to reverse.
Follow the plan outlined above! I realize some people just don’t have the patience to pull this off.
Unfortunately, this is the only way to 1. The second best way? Short of estimating with calorie calculators and other generic formulas, I’d highly recommend you check out the Body. Media FIT Armband. It can accurately determine your calorie burn to within a 1.
One of the top reasons diets fail is because people eat too few calories. When you do this, you force your body to slow down its metabolism. This causes all kinds of hormonal changes that work against you and your fat loss goals. Hormones such as testosterone, thyroid, and growth hormone are all negatively affected. Make sure that when you diet you are keeping your metabolism high, and you will be well on your way towards success, instead of deciding what diet you’re going to try next.
Overweight & Weight Loss - Ask the Dietitian. Record a goal that you can reach in one month that is 4 to 8 pounds less than you weigh now. Set a goal you know you can achieve. Spread your calories around - Divide your calorie goal by the number of meals (at least three) so that you eat about the same amount of calories at each meal.
If meals are more than 5. Make sure you eat at least 1.
Diet foods not required - Eat regular foods rather than the . Diet foods are usually not as satisfying or filling so you may eat more of them. Drink fat free or skim milk so you can add some fat at meals. If you only drink 1% milk, then cut added fat in half at meals. If you drink 2% (low fat) milk, then don't add any fat to food at meals. Eat the basic food groups at meals - lean meat, legumes, dairy, fruits and vegetables.
Then add one or two servings of whole grains or starches each meal to reach your calorie goal. Include eight ounces of milk and one serving of whole grains, fruits and vegetables at each meal to provide carbohydrate fuel for your brain and muscles. You need at least 1. Drastic changes not recommended - The plan you follow to lose weight should be built on the how you eat now modified by these ten changes.
A weight loss plan should be a plan you can follow for a lifetime by making small changes in the portion sizes you eat once you reach your goal weight so that you can maintain a healthy weight. Try the Healthy Body Calculator to calculate your basal calorie needs (don't include activity) at your current weight and your goal weight. There may be as little as a 1.
Portion control - Control meal portions to a piece of lean meat as big as the back of your hand from your knuckles to where your wrist bends and as thick as your little finger or about the size of a deck of cards. Other foods like whole grains, vegetables and fruits can be portioned to 2 heaping serving tablespoons or approximately . Measure how many ounces are in your beverage glass or mug so that you pour 4 or 8 ounces portions. Cook it yourself - Bake, broil or steam food rather than frying.
Consider cooking from scratch more often so you know what is in the food you eat. Some fat is OK - Limit added fat to 1 teaspoon (margarine or mayonnaise or oil) or 1 tablespoon of salad dressing per meal if this doesn't exceed your calorie goal. You can choose to put margarine on your potato or salad dressing on your salad, but not both.
To limit salad dressing and make it go farther, serve your salad dressing on the side of your salad and then dip your fork in the dressing before spearing each mouthfulof salad. Sugar is not evil - You just can't afford the calories. Sugar only contains carbohydrate so use an artificial sweetener in beverages or drink sugar- free soda in reasonable amounts. Alcohol in moderation - Alcoholic beverages are just as empty of nutrients as sugar, but your liver processes them like fat. If you drink, limit yourself to one drink per day (1. Desserts are mostly fat and sugar which will put you over your calorie goal for the day. You can find a dietitian at the American Dietetic Association.
Include your zip code or city / state and the type of service you want (individual consultation) with expertise in childhood obesity, healthy eating / meal planning, metabolic measurements or weight control. I've read the questions submitted by other readers and I've realized that I am going to sound very stupid and woefully ignorant but here goes.
If you are over 1. Healthy Body Calculator. If you are younger, try the Healthy Kid Calculator. Do you have a dietician you could recommend in Memphis,TN? Thanks again! Thanks for the feedback. Has your doctor talked to you about exercising? Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would appreciate any input and suggestions that you may have concerning the topic I have chosen.
Well both weight loss alternatives are rather drastic. I had asked your calculator to calculate how many calories I needed to lose 2 pounds a week. I have been extremely careful about what I have been eating and at the most I have been off by +/- 1. I must have either calculated wrong or I have some sort of metabolism problem. Here are my statistics.
I ended up adding up all I do and finding the daily average. I walk 2 miles 5 days per week (1/2 hour @ 4mph) and I do 2. On weekends I am usually fairly active, but it's hard to predict.
Should I be eating a different number of calories each day depending on how active I am that day? It's a lot easier to just pick a number and stick with it, but I could probably vary my daily intake if it would make a big difference. The only way I have ever lost weight in the past is to extremely limit my calories (< 1. A LOT. When I do this I can usually lose about 2 pounds a week.
Even doing this I haven't been able to maintain the weight loss or even get to what your program considers an ideal weight for me (1. I have never been able to keep the weight off for more than a year or two because it is so difficult to work out that much and eat that little. I would really appreciate it if you would respond to this.
I am very frustrated and I'm not sure what to try next since this clearly isn't working. Do I have a serious health / metabolism problem? If you are eating 1. Do your clothes fit the same, tighter or looser? If your clothes fit looser, then you probably have put on muscle as 1 pound of muscle takes up less physical space than 1 pound of body fat because muscle is more dense and has a higher water content. If you have gained 5 pounds in 6 weeks, then you are gaining about 1 pound per week. If you are off by 1.
Another possibility may be that weight training, Stairmaster and aerobics have increased your muscle size. Unless you had your body fat measured prior to your calorie counts and again at 3 month intervals, you won't know if you have added muscle or fat or a combination of both.
Your body weight as measured on a scale will only tell a change in physical weight not composition. So you may be increasing muscle mass and decreasing your fat stores through exercise without any change in your scale weight. That is why scale weight is such a gross measure, as it doesn't tell you what percent body fat you are. Perhaps you should have your body fat tested. If your body fat is less than 2. You should follow a consistent calorie and exercise goal each day even though what you end up doing may vary which is OK. People need to be flexible with their eating and exercise programs to enjoy life to the fullest.
Given your height, you do burn more calories than a shorter person and I am surprised that you have to follow a 1. Write back with how you are tracking the calories you eat as you may be underestimating how much you eat. Do you write down everything you eat, amount and measure i. Then do you use computer software to do the analysis or do you do analyze calories on paper?
There is no ideal weight and 1. Perhaps 1. 76 pounds would be a more appropriate weight goal for you. Unless you have some long term illness that you are aware of and have not disclosed to me, with the information that you have provided, no, you do not have some serious health problem.
I had a daughter three years ago. I gained about 6. I dropped forty of those pounds, but I just can't seem to lose the last 2. Before her, I weighed 1.
I now weigh around 1. I have kept this weight pretty constant over that three year period give or take a few pounds. I'm not gaining which is good, but how in the heck do I lose? I have a sedentary job, so I joined a gym about a month ago.
Either I need to go to the gym more or I need to find a better way of eating. I don't eat much, so I guess it must be what I'm eating. Also, I am on a limited budget because I am a college student. Can you help me? Before effectively answering your question it would be beneficial to know your height in addition to your weight.
If your height is between 5'3? What was your BMI report?
A value exceeding 2. A value of 3. 0 or more indicates obesity related health risks. A desirable weight for height for adults is a BMI of 2.
How's yours? After you have determined that, hopefully you will be able to see whether or not you are in fact overweight. It is good that you have maintained a constant weight of 1. Overweight increases your health risk.
Since itis your goal to lose weight you need to remember that combining exercise and a balanced diet are essential for success. A healthy guide to eating would include using the guidelines of the Food Guide Pyramid. According to the pyramid, you should be eating 2- 3 servings of meat, fish, poultry, dry beans (basically proteins) a day. Keep in mind one serving of meat is 3 ounces (about the size of a deck of playing cards). It would be wise to choose meats that have lower fat content such as poultry without the skin, fish or very lean cuts of red meat. You should consume 2- 3 servings of dairy and choose low fat products from this group such as skim milk or plain yogurt which are good sources of calcium (you need at least 8. Eat 3- 5 servings of vegetables per day without added fat or sauce; 2- 3 servings of fruit and finally 6 servings of bread, rice, cereals, pasta (all of which are carbohydrates).
Select foods without added fat or sugar. Generally, when attempting to lose weight, one would choose the minimum amount of servings, meaning six carbohydrates instead of eleven.
Overall, the Food Guide Pyramid incorporates the foundations of a healthy, balanced diet. Continue to exercise at the gym. Get at least 3. 0 minutes of aerobic (fat burning requires oxygen) conditioning. Some suggestions could be participating in an aerobics class, running on the treadmill, riding a bike, doing the stair climber or perhaps another activity you like. You should be working out at least 3 to 5 times during the week. It might also be helpful to lift weights as that increases metabolism while it increases your muscle size.
The more times you work out the better you will feel and the more inclined you will be to lose unwanted weight.
Ways to Lose 2. 0 Pounds in 2 Months. You may want to lose 2.
But after you meet your target on a fad diet, it's likely you’ll gain all the weight back, and then some. The safest and surest way to lose weight and keep it off is to use a gradual and consistent approach – to drop 1 or 2 pounds a week by making a change in your eating habits. At the rate of 2 pounds a week, you lose 2. Consult your doctor or a dietitian before beginning any weight- loss diet. According to general principles of weight loss, 3,5.
To lose 2 pounds of body weight a week, you need to create a daily calorie deficit of 1,0. A thousand calories may sound like a lot, but depending on your diet, it may not take much for you to trim your intake. For example, cut out low- nutrient, high- calorie foods such as a cheeseburger, soda and ice cream, and you’re off to a good start. A large single cheeseburger with condiments from a fast- food restaurant comes in at 5. Maybe you routinely have a cola with your burger; just one 1. If you round off this high- calorie “meal” with 1/2 cup chocolate ice cream, you’ve added another 1.
These foods, which have very little nutritional value and may leave you feeling hungry again soon after, total about 1,0. Don't go below 1,0. National Institutes of Health. Diets that drop below those ranges must be short- term and also administered by a physician for safety. The key to reliable weight loss and long- term weight management, however, is not just abstaining from some junk foods while continuing to use up your daily calorie allotment on others. Instead, your best bet is to make a change in your eating habits, and to switch your dietary focus to whole foods like fruits and vegetables; lean proteins like fish and chicken breast; and healthy fats like avocado, nuts and seeds.
Many of these foods have fewer calories overall and also contain nutrients that assist with weight loss. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains, for example, provide significant fiber, a type of carbohydrate that helps manage your blood sugar levels and keep your hunger under control. The macronutrient protein – found in animal products, soy, legumes, nuts and seeds – is associated with greater satiety.
Switching what you eat doesn’t mean you’re going to starve. If your aim is to consume 1,5. Play around with the numbers, but this will give you a rough framework for eating well and staying full at the same time.
Fifteen hundred calories actually buys you a lot when you’re sticking with whole foods. As a sample menu, for breakfast you can have two scrambled eggs, a slice of whole- wheat toast with a half- ounce of goat cheese and a cup of sliced strawberries for 3. For lunch, have a plate of mixed greens topped with 3 ounces of grilled chicken, a half- cup of black beans, a cup of sliced red bell pepper and a fourth of an avocado for 3. At dinner, have 4 ounces of grilled salmon with a cup of wild rice and a cup of steamed Brussels sprouts for 3. You still have room for two snacks, such as an ounce of almonds for 1.
Or have one snack and then portion out a tablespoon of healthy olive oil to your various meals. To boost flavor, sprinkle a variety of herbs and spices on your dishes – they are both nutritious and almost calorie free in the amounts normally used.
Diet is at the heart of any weight- loss plan, but don’t forget to incorporate exercise into your daily regimen. If you only cut calories without also exercising, you'll most likely gain back the weight you lose, says Harvard Medical School.
Instead, stimulate your metabolism to burn calories with a 2- mile brisk walk or an uphill bike ride most days of the week. Current guidelines recommend 1.