Obesity and Weight Loss

Obesity is a growing epidemic where one’s weight is out of proportion with one’s height. Usually an obese individual has a body mass index, or BMI, greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. BMI can be calculated by dividing the value of one’s weight in kilograms by the value of one’s height in meters squared. A healthy weight is considered to be a BMI value between 19 and 24 kg/m2. If one’s BMI goes beyond that range, their body type falls into either the overweight or obese categories. Several health problems are associated with obesity and as a result, one should consider weight loss. North Carolina ranks 5th worst in the US for childhood obesity and two-thirds of all NC adults are overweight or obese. However there are several programs in the state to encourage healthy weight loss.

North Carolina’s plan to prevent overweight, obesity and related chronic diseases details how the state plans to encourage healthy eating habits and greater physical activity. Suggestions for healthy eating habits include consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and preparing and eating main meals at home at least five times per week. Obesity has emotional and physical consequences for an individual, but it also places an economic burden on the state. Financial costs for obesity are estimated at more than $24.1 billion annually in medical care and lost productivity. Fitness centers in NC are working to help resolve this issue one individual at a time.

Improving the overall health of their clients is the first goal of any reputable fitness center. One Greensboro gym offers specific exercise programs to assist all individuals in their efforts to lead a healthier lifestyle. Their stroke physical therapy and Parkinson’s exercises assist individuals who suffer from the effects of these conditions. Their diabetic exercise program focuses on both exercises to help manage blood sugar levels and ways to lose weight. Type II diabetes is often a complication of obesity and losing weight has been shown to reverse or limit the effects of diabetes.

Joining a fitness center gives an obese individual access to the expertise of personal trainers and nutrition counselors. It also gives an obese individual the ability to connect with similar people who are also looking to change their circumstances. Sometimes the support of others is especially beneficial in a weight loss endeavor.