Are you struggling to lose weight on your own? Which health conditions are most common for overweight individuals? If you’re interested in more information on the health risks associated with obesity or tips on managing your weight, then check out some of these great resources.
With so many fast food chains and restaurant options available, it’s no wonder that so many individuals are struggling with obesity. If you’re unhappy with your weight or you are at risk for certain medical conditions, then consider this beginner’s guide to weight management:
Proper Diet
In order to lose weight and keep it off, you’ll need to consume fewer daily calories—but that doesn’t have to mean eating less food. The key is finding foods that can keep you full without filling you out. Consider some of these healthy eating tips:
Focus on fiber: High fiber foods have a higher volume which means they help you feel satisfied for longer. Some of the best fiber-rich foods include black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, lentils, oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat breads and pastas, and bran.
Stick to green, leafy vegetables: These include spinach, broccoli, kale, romaine lettuce, arugula, and Swiss chard. Try to avoid iceberg lettuce, as it has little-to-no nutrient value.
Choose colorful fruits: The best way to ensure you’re getting all of your vitamins and nutrients is to stock up on colorful fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, plumbs, apples, oranges, and other citrus fruits.
Exercise
There’s no way to get around it—regular exercise is a necessary part of any weight management program. Start slow by performing aerobic exercises including walking, running, bicycling, or swimming; these activities are less strenuous than others, but can still help to boost weight-loss and overall respiratory function.
Weight Management Programs
One of the best ways to maintain your weight is to start a structured weight management program with your primary care physician or weight-loss center. Working with a physician will not only help to streamline your weight-loss with helpful diet and exercise tips, but will also help to identify any health risks or medical problems that may be impeding your weight-loss results.
Are you’re ready to get on the path to a healthier lifestyle? Healthpointe Wellness is here to help! Contact us today for more information on our emergency room and primary care services.
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When your body’s sugar levels rise, your pancreas releases insulin to signal your cells to use this glucose as energy. However, individuals suffering from type II diabetes are unable to produce or sufficiently use insulin, preventing their blood sugar levels to return to normal.
In this video, a licensed CVS pharmacist provides an overview on the causes of type II diabetes. Type II diabetes can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity, lifestyle factors, or a genetic predisposition to the disease. While type II diabetes can occur in anyone, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Latinos are typically at greater risk. Learn more in this full clip.
If you’re concerned about your risk of developing type II diabetes, then it may be time to schedule a diagnostic screening with your primary care physician. For the best emergency room and primary care services for overweight issues, visit Healthpointe Wellness today!
A 2010 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that approximately 29.6% of Indiana residents are overweight or obese. If your BMI is over 35, then starting a weight management program may be your best bet. Consider this overview on the three most common health conditions that can stem from obesity.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is naturally found within the membranes or cell walls of the body, such as the skin, muscles, nerves, brain, liver, intestines, and heart. The body requires cholesterol in order to produce vitamin D, hormones, and fat-digesting bile. However, too much cholesterol can lead to plaque deposits along the arterial walls, narrowing the arteries and decreasing blood supply to the rest of the body. Overweight or obese individuals typically have higher LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) in their blood than those who are not overweight, increasing their risk for high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also severely increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when there is too much pressure of the blood along the arterial walls as it circulates throughout the body. High blood pressure is more common among obese individuals and increases their risk of a number of medical complications. Some of the most common medical conditions associated with hypertension include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, congestive heart failure, aortic aneurysms, and peripheral artery disease.
Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes mellitus which affects nearly 26 million individuals in the United States— 85% of which are overweight. This type of diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough or is unable to properly use insulin. The most common signs of type II diabetes include fatigue, increased appetite, excessive thirst, blurred vision, dehydration, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, bruising easily, or slow-healing wounds.
If you’re looking for the best health management and primary care services in your area, then look no further than Healthpointe Wellness. Our staff members are fully trained to handle any issues from being overweight, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more.