The Battle For Minimum Weight - Blacks and the Obesity Epidemic

Trapped in the hard work of the fashion industry, Allison Ferrell, 41, is paying attention to her growing waistline. As Product Operations and Logistics Manager for Abaete, a New York-based luxury apparel retailer, lunch is a luxury she can't afford. She said she was crazy and I couldn't spend time until I didn't eat at 1:00 that afternoon for the whole day.

After a 2005 surgery that made her stomach upset, she regularly avoided oral and regular eating. His unhealthy eating habits kicked his body into starvation mode before starvation. Believing that he was starving, his body stopped burning calories and started storing food reserves resulting in an increase in body fat. I've been doing well, but my negative habits have caught me and it's time to take care of myself. "According to the American Council for Exercise, acceptable fat is 25-31% and obese is 32%, Ferrell weighed almost 39%. In his normal life, he lost a flummoxed 23 pounds of extra fat.

Ferrell was not alone in his struggle to manage his weight. Women are larger in size and men are tied to the norm in Black culture - an implied acceptance that prevents weight loss. From Easter dinners and Easter dinners to barbeques and ho-downs, cooking and dining has become a respected way of family and communal time. Foods rich in fat, sugar, salt and cholesterol have long been a staple of traditional African American cuisine. Although these foods taste gastronomically, they are detrimental to healthy living. It is difficult to change the habits we have cultivated in our history, explains, nutritionists and nutritionists and co-owners of Evidence of life in New York.

Some of the foods that determine culture in Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean, such as olive oil, cereals and vegetables are heart healthy. What is natural for African Americans is decreasing the nutritional value chain. The American Obesity Society estimates that about 127 million adults are overweight, 60 million are obese and 9 million are obese. The growing phenomenon of obesity has become a national crisis and is no longer clear to African Americans. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that almost 51% of black women are obese and 78% overweight are overweight - the highest of all ethnic groups - nearly 30% are obese and 67% overweight.

Given the variations in body type and height, the standard scale fails to provide accurate measurements of weight. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used formula that uses weight and height to assess body fat and provides a healthy range of weight for all ethnic groups. BMI is also a higher risk indicator for developing diabetes, heart disease and other obesity-related diseases. BMI from 19-24 is considered healthy. However, BMI 25-29.9 is overweight and 30 and above is obese. Waist circumference measures abdominal fat and is often used in conjunction with BMI to determine weight-related conditions. Although there is clear evidence, many blacks have a strong perception of weight and fail to recognize their weight as a problem. Dr. Ian Smith, a physician and dietitian for Celebrity Fit VH1 & # 39; It's the Club and the ABC's s The View explains that this speaks to the central concept of self-definition and what we think we look like. To change the tide, he stresses, the importance of changing the culture's mindset that promotes and maintains the habit of causing obesity. The curvaceous body, complete is the ideal feminine in Black culture.

Many black women are resistant to weight loss because they equate to maintaining a healthy weight by losing their curves and by increasing their attractiveness. Dr. Ian says, "There is a tendency to lose weight. You can be on the sidelines but still be healthy. We cannot be defined by conditions that harm our health, but by our courage, our inner and outer beauty and our passion for life." Leggett offers a different perspective. There is no conflict between sexy and physical fitness. Because individuals are resistant to exercising, they convince themselves that weight gain is a paradigm for sex.

Although various factors contribute to obesity and overweight, the root causes remain the same: lack of training and poor nutrition choices. Dr. Christopher Leggett, Director of Cardiology for the Georgia Medical Associate and one of the state's leading interventional cardiologists says that people enjoy a sedentary lifestyle and lack of dietary discretion in what, when and how much they eat, has nothing to do with balance. Moreover, the greater share of food, fast food dependence and media marketing by the food industry have played a major role in overall health erosion. Today's historical figures are also largely due to the double-edged sword of technological advances.

The convenience and simplicity of modern life made possible by computers and digital technology does not encourage physical activity and permeates every aspect of society: food delivery, internet browsing, computer-based office work and gaming stations. Dr. Ian explains that people are less inspired to move and this means that calories stay in their body and become fat. In addition, the relentless demands of work - travel, long hours, working over lunch - necessitated the basic need for self-preservation. As single family heads, black women are often responsible for balancing home, work, childcare and sometimes education with little time to squeeze in training. Dr. Leggett denied the claim that many women spend hours perfecting their outer appearance when they spend thirty minutes daily exercising. As individuals become active in healthy living the consequences of obesity medicine will continue to increase.

Obesity has been shown to cause a number of debilitating diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and certain cancers and has a domino effect on the physiology of the body. What is commonly referred to as "little sugar" has been a devastating epidemic affecting 18 million Americans, with Blacks at 1.6 times more likely to be infected than whites. It also has consequences for stroke, kidney failure, cuts and blindness, and first place in direct healthcare costs, consuming $ 1 per $ 7 spent on healthcare. Dr. Leggett explains Obesity is a leading cause of type II diabetes that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting in an 80% mortality rate of heart attacks. Excessive abdominal fat is very active. It expands, releases chemicals that ensure its continued existence. This in turn creates resistance to the hormone insulin that controls blood sugar. Increased insulin resistance of the pancreatic gland results in high blood sugar levels, which sets the stage for diabetes.

The cardio-vasculature of the body is affected by the increase in cholesterol and lipids in the blood. The formation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and other plaque-forming plaques in the coronary artery, a channel that supplies blood to the heart. This deposit eventually narrows the opening of blood vessels that supply the organ with oxygen and nutrients. Dr. Leggett says that artery rupture causes cord and spinal stroke, in the coronary artery causing heart attacks and in carotid artery, stroke or thrombosis, an obstruction of blood flow throughout the blood circulatory system. Restrictions on the lower legs often lead to poor circulation, joint pain and even amputation.

With 45% of women and 42% of men twenty years of age or older, African Americans have the highest rates of hypertension in the world. Research conducted by the National Obesity Association shows that hypertension occurs 9% more often in obese individuals. Poorly controlled hypertension causes stroke, which is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. As fat increases, so does the demand for oxygen and nutrients. Increased blood circulation throughout the body adds pressure to the artery walls causing them to break and harden, resulting in bigger heart, stroke and kidney disease.

The American Cancer Society study shows that up to 90,000 cancer deaths each year can be associated with obesity and overweight. Increased production of insulin and estrogen stimulates the growth of cancer cells. In women, obesity is associated with an increased risk of uterine, breast, cervical, ovarian, renal and endometrial cancer; in men, with colon and prostate cancer. The high incidence and virulence of obesity-related diseases has been exacerbated by lack of appropriate preventive care and health screening. Dr. Ian points out that Blacks tend to visit doctors later and at the time the disease was less treatable and treatable and the body was weak. That's why whether it's talking to your doctor or going to an independent clinic, we must be more proactive about our own health.

The unintended consequence of obesity is the double burden of weight discrimination in the healthcare industry. The doctor's here. Subjective opinions and negative prejudices affect treatment, care and treatment outcomes. A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine found discrimination in the treatment of kidney failure, cancer and heart disease, despite the fact that the disease was more prominent in blacks than in whites. A doctor may withhold treatment or procedures, which may be optimal, based on the latent feeling that the patient is lazy, lacking discipline and self-respect or not following the prescribed regimen.

With 30% of overweight children aged 6-19 and 15% overweight, the prevalence of childhood obesity has surged over the past two decades, ensuring a future wave of chronic obesity, obesity-related illnesses, diabetes, hypertension and other diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the probability of obese children becoming obese adults increases by about 20% by four years to 80% by adolescents. Of concern, African American girls of all socioeconomic levels have the highest incidence: 6-11, 38% are overweight and 22% are obese; aged 12-19, 45% and 27% respectively.

The combination of super-sized fast food, video game culture and physical inactivity, powered by parental involvement has hit a wave of childhood obesity to unprecedented levels. The typical teen diet consists of fat, cholesterol, sugar, Trans fats and lack of fruits and vegetables; carbonated drinks and loaded with high fructose corn syrup. Nutritionist Lisa Jubilee maintains that there are many ways parents can set a better example for children. She says if you have to eat fatty foods, have some fries, get a smaller size or choose a salad. Always eat fruit as a snack after school or prepare with cereals in the morning. "

Today's kids are the most inactive in history, largely due to the freedom of stationary entertainment such as Play stations and X-box games and video televisions. Municipalities and the decline of physical education in schools have resulted in the frequency and decline of exercise. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 25% of children 8-6 years of age watch at least four hours of daily television and have television in the bedroom as a strong indicator of obesity development, even in preschool children. Domestic urban children are said to be hindered by the inability to walk or bike safely to school or play outside later. Moreover, many lack the means and inclination to venture outside of their usual surroundings and into the suburbs or rural areas.

Children are getting fatter at a younger age, according to Dr Leggett. Some show early signs of heart disease and blood vessel damage. But you can't blame them when parents are supposed to be responsible for the food environment. The list of obesity-related illnesses in children is comparable to that of adults'. Hypertension occurs 9% more frequently in obese children and doctors also observe signs of heart disease. In 1997, the number of children with diabetes affected by the environment led to a change in the name of the 2nd adult diabetes. Weight gain also triggers bronchial spasms, asthma. Other consequences include sleep apnea, orthopedic complications and menstrual cramps in girls. The psychological effects are very damaging and often continue to grow. Fat children experience social isolation and teasing that are a catalyst for depression, eating disorders and high risk behaviors.

Make no mistake - it's a fat cost. Overweight and overweight people can expect higher medical expenses and insurance premiums, tend to earn less and make less money in their lives. As the country faces a growing healthcare crisis, the cost of obesity-related medical expenses is approximately $ 93 billion, 85% of which is covered by government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. The cost to each taxpayer is $ 180 per year. Routine care for preventive, diagnostic and treatment services can cost up to $ 7,000 in annual out-of-pocket expenses. Decreased productivity, absence, sick days, disability and limited mobility were limited to workers and employers. Heavy penalties are also imposed through social stigma and barriers to career progression. Many find it difficult to find jobs, get promotions or coveted jobs based on the belief that they are lazy and weak.

Is it possible to stop the obesity trend? Healthcare professionals agree that education and moderation are key to incorporating healthy habits into daily life. Despite the promise of diet pills and the popularity of bariatric and gastric bypass surgery, the best solution for weight loss is still changing diet and lifestyle. Jubilee, which requires clients to keep a food journal, formulates a meal plan tailored to their individual lifestyle and needs. He suggests that individuals start by walking daily and introducing healthy new foods into their diet so that you can live longer than your ancestors. For Ferrell, he suggested different ways to prepare old favorites such as baking instead of frying and minimizing the amount of dough used to make cookies. Small steps are necessary to make big changes that will keep you from losing weight. Finally, African Americans have the means and opportunities to overcome the wave of obesity and overweight by setting new healthier examples of healthy living for this generation and beyond.

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