Maintaining a Healthy Weight - Free Essay Example

Maintaining a healthy weight should be a very big concern for everyone. Obesity is defined as any individual that weighs over thirty or more above their recommended optimum weight. The epidemic of obesity is sweeping across America and reflecting in our children. Thats why its only makes sense that weight loss and weight loss solutions have become more of a common topic to discussion all across households in America. In 1999-2000, over 10% of preschool children between the ages of 2 and 5 were overweight, up from 7% in 1994. In addition, approximately 15.3% of children (ages 6–11) and 15.5% of adolescents (ages 12–19) were overweight in 2000. An additional 15% of children and 14.9% of adolescents were at a higher level of risks for becoming overweight based on their current Body Mass Index (BMI) results. The percentage of children and adolescents considered overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970s. A great amount of studies shows an increase in mortality rates associated with obesity. People who are obese have up to 10% to 50% increased risk of death from all causes when compared to others with a healthy weight level. A larger portion of the increased risk are due to cardiovascular diseases. Obesity caused additional 112,000 deaths per year in the United States when compared to others in the United States that maintains a healthy weight level. There are some typical diseases that are associated with people who are overweight and/or obese: Diabetes, Coronary heart disease and stroke, High blood cholesterol, Metabolic syndrome, Hypertension, Different types of cancer such as: (breast, colorectal, endometrial and kidney), Sleep apnea and other breathing problems, Osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and bone of joints), Gallbladder disease, Fatty liver disease, Gout, Pregnancy complications, Menstrual irregularities, Hirsutism (presence of excess body and facial hair), Stress incontinence (urine leakage caused by weak pelvic floor muscles), Psychological disorders, such as depression, Increased surgical risk and Increased mortality. So knowing this, thats why one should be conscious of their weight and take active measures to maintain a healthy life. The first important thing to do is making the appropriate lifestyle changes, and that is achieving their fitness goals. However, the second important thing is obtaining their optimum weight level. So in order to become successful in achieving their optimum weight, they need to understand that there are fundamental changes that need to be made in relation to nutrition, exercise, rest and relaxation. It is very important to understand that achieving optimum health is a lifelong endeavor and not a short-term commitment. The goal is to lose the weight the right way. And its plenty of websites and articles that will provide individuals with countless of tips on how to achieve their proper weight loss goals correctly. Many individuals lack the knowledge to effectively do this on their own. I personally recommend individuals to do research and read articles and search websites to enhance their education relevant to the various weight loss approaches, techniques, and lifestyle changes necess ary to achieving their weight loss goals. In conclusion, you will not lose weight without improving the quality of foods that you put into your body. Those aspects present their own challenges, and in many cases require dedication and a change in overall lifestyle. Yes losing weight can be very difficult for the most part, but you must always remember that effort and changes in lifestyle will pay off in the end. Achieving and maintaining your personal weight goal is a life-changing event that will improve virtually all aspects of your life.