Weight continues to be a major health concern in the U.S. Data from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that 33% of adult men, 35% of adult women, and 16% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese. These results are concerning because obesity increases the risk of heart disease (high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, stroke, heart attack, etc.), type 2 diabetes, cancers, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, infertility, abnormal menses and other diseases. Two of the Healthy People 2010 national health objectives are to reduce these percentages to less than 15% among adults and less than 5% among children and adolescents.

Overweight and obesity are terms for weight that is considered unhealthy for a given height. The definitions are calculated using the body mass index (BMI). BMI is used because for most people it correlates with the amount of body fat. A BMI of between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

The U.S. Surgeon General has published priorities for national action relating to weight and health. These priorities cover communication, action, and research. Regarding communication, the Surgeon General states, "The Nation must take an informed, sensitive approach to communicate with and educate the American people about health issues related to overweight and obesity." This includes changing the perception of overweight and obesity at all ages, focusing on health and not appearance, encouraging breastfeeding for infants (breast-fed babies are less likely to be obese as adults), and providing culturally appropriate education in schools and communities about healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Recommended action is to "…take action to assist Americans in balancing healthful eating with regular physical activity." This includes quality, daily physical education in all school grades, reduced time spent watching television and other sedentary behaviors, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity for adults and 60 minutes for children daily, making community facilities available for physical activity for all people including the elderly, promoting healthy food choices including at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables each day and reasonable portion sizes at meals, and reimbursing the prevention and treatment of being overweight or obese. It is also stated that "The Nation must invest in research that improves our understanding of the causes, prevention, and treatment of overweight and obesity." This includes research in behavioral and environmental causes, prevention and treatment, and disparities in racial, ethnic, gender, age and socioeconomic groups to identify effective interventions.

The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos hosts a free weight management support group on Thursday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. lead by Jen Birge, registered dietician. The group focuses on healthy weight loss strategies including the use of SLIM, a safe and effective all-natural high-fiber product that reduces appetite. Call (757) 737-5810 or come by the Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos for more information.

Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/index.htm.

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