Did you know Pennsylvania has the 25th-highest adult obesity rate in the nation?
During 2016, the adult obesity rate was 30.3 percent, while the combined overweight and obesity rate for 10- to 17-year-olds was 31.7 percent, according to The State of Obesity report.
Healthy Me PA spoke with Kelly Costello Allison, Ph.D., director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders and associate professor of psychology in psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, to learn what Pennsylvanians can do to reduce their risk.
Dr. Allison is an expert in weight-related eating disorders, bariatric surgery predictors, and weight management as it relates to reproductive functions.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition determined by your body mass index (BMI), which is calculated based on your weight and height. The scale has four classifications: underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese.
While a BMI over 30 indicates obesity, it does not provide a complete picture of your overall health. If you’re muscular, it could indicate you’re overweight or obese, despite having a low body fat composition. Because BMI levels can be arbitrary, Dr. Allison said it’s important to check with your doctor if you have concerns.
Obesity and your health: What to know
Obesity is a disease because genetics plays a factor in determining your weight status. Our bodies are wired to respond differently, which means some people burn off calories faster than others.
“If someone has a propensity for obesity, they have to handle it like a chronic disease,” Dr. Allison said.
Adults battling obesity can develop or worsen serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and metabolic syndrome. Obesity also is linked to certain types of cancer.
Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea—a sleeping disorder in which an individual stops breathing while sleeping—are two conditions on the rise in children.
“Chronic diseases of adulthood are entering the picture quicker,” Dr. Allison said.
Obesity can affect the quality of life for adults and children. The earlier you’re diagnosed with a chronic disease, the earlier and longer you have to live with and manage its effects.
“It’s harder for people to think long term about health consequences,” Dr. Allison said.
Obesity prevention tips
Dr. Allison said the following tips can help you reduce your risk:
- Prevent weight gain. Be more aware of what you’re eating and how much, but don’t encourage weight loss in children because they’re still growing.
- Read labels and serving sizes. Meet your body’s needs, but don’t exceed them.
- Control food portions. Use smaller plates, measure and weigh your food, and prepack with small sizes.
- Check in with yourself. Wait a few minutes after eating to assess if you’re still hungry.
For some, however, bariatric surgery is the best treatment option. This surgery is considered only for people with a BMI of 40 or greater, and those with a BMI of 35 and a serious medical condition.
With a lifestyle change and weight loss, you can reduce or eliminate the number of medications you take for conditions that are caused by obesity.