Nutrition: Will Reduced Calorie Diets help the Obesity Issue in the U.S?

by. Leah Rampolla

Reduced calorie diets reap the obvious benefits of a healthy weight and overall good health.  An article on nutrition.gov reports on a recent study conducted by the ARS (Agricultural Research Service). This study has found that low and very low calorie diets significantly enhance the immunity responses of the body as well.  ARS studied the effects of caloric restrictions on the function of T cells (a major type of white blood cell) and other immune system factors. The study found that T cell responses were significantly increased with low calorie diets. This study has provided the initial indication that short term calorie restriction ( a 6 month time frame)  improves T cell functioning thus boosting immunity.

The CDC had coined the term “obesogenic” to describe American society.  This term is characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non healthful foods, and physical inactivity. Current statistics would certainly support this term and its meaning. The CDC reports that 1/3 of U.S. adults are obese which equates to 72 million people. 16% of U.S children are obese. This is of concern as obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and abnormal glucose tolerance. A study of 5-17 year olds has found that 70% of obese children have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39% have at least two risk factors. From 1979-81 to 1997-99 annual hospital costs related to obesity among children and adolescents increased from $35 million to $127 million.

Obesity rates have increased among all U.S. societal groups regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, and geographic region. It should be noted however, that obesity rates tend to be higher in Southern states. While obesity is an obvious detriment to individual health, it also strains the already embattled U.S health care system. A 2000 CDC study reported that obesity rated health care totaled $117 billion. This figure is undoubtedly higher as obesity rates continue to climb. In addition to astronomical health care costs, overall productivity has decreased due to obesity related health issues. Medical expenditures for obese workers depending on the severity of obesity and sex are between 29%-117% greater than expenditures for normal weight workers.

Despite these alarming statistics some discernable progress has been made. A CDC survey found that from 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 there were no significant obesity prevalence increases observed in children, adolescents, women, and men.  Obesity rates also appear to be leveling in children in high obesity rate states such as Arkansas.  This progress may be attributed to CDC’s efforts to promote obesity awareness as a national public health problem.  From 2000-2007 media coverage on obesity in prints and newswires increased from 8,000 to more than 28,000 articles.

Awareness and knowledge are certainly critical first steps in the national effort to address this health problem. However, more people are of an unhealthy weight than not which is indicative of much more effort and progress needed. Obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in this country and a sustained educational effort is needed to address this problem.

Nutrition: Diseases Caused by Obesity

by. Leah Rampolla


According to obesityinamerica.org more than 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are obese or overweight.  CDC data indicates that 2/3 of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater which is classified as overweight and unhealthy. Overweight and obese people have an increased instance of heart failure, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Excessive body fat is also linked to higher levels of triglycerides and LDLs and lower levels of HDL cholesterol which fosters the development of heart disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure. Blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Losing only ten pounds can lower blood pressure.  Losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension.

1 in 5 overweight people are affected by metabolic syndrome or syndrome X26. Metabolic syndrome can cause diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is one of the fastest growing obesity related health concerns in the U.S.  This syndrome is characterized by obesity, hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, and high blood sugar. The CDC states that metabolic syndrome affects nearly one quarter- 22% or 47 million members of the U.S. population.

Another medical condition perpetuated by obesity is dyslipidemia. This condition occurs when LDL and triglyceride levels are high and HDL is low. Doctors attribute this shift in lipid levels to weight gain. To counter this condition weight loss is recommended. Losing twenty pounds can reduce LDL by 15%, reduce triglyceride levels by 30%, increase HDL by 8%, and reduce total cholesterol levels by 10%.


There is also a potential link between thyroid conditions and obesity. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and there is currently an assumed link between obesity and thyroid glands but further study is needed to confirm this relationship.

Numerous data illustrates the numerous and potential fatal medical conditions and diseases that are caused by overweight and obesity. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are imperative for not only a good quality of life but a long and healthy life as well.

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: US Children Are Depressed! According to an alarming study, in 2007 8% of children in the US, ages 12-17, had a Major Depressive Episode! 

 

National Health Interview Survey, 2008
Health Alert: Children Are Still Smoking! A shocking survey showed 50% of high school students tried smoking in 2008, and 25% of children ages 12 or older currently consider themselves smokers. 

 

CDC, 2009
Diet: We Are Eating Ourselves To Death! 27.2% of US adults, aged 20 years and over, are obese! Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index of 30 or more or 20% or more above your recommended weight.

 

National Health Interview Survey, 2009

To calculate you BMI: take your height (in inches) and square it. Then divide that number into your body weight (in pounds). Then multiply by 703.

 

Underweight                < 18.5

Normal Weight           18.5-24.9

Overweight                 25.0-29.9

Obese                        30.0-34.9

Very Obese                35.0-39.9

Morbid Obesity           Over 40

Exercise: Best Results For Strengthening. Stretching the muscle you are strengthening is key; however, it is also important to stretch stretching the muscle opposite of the one you are strengthening if that muscle is tight or overly-contracted. Example: If strengthening the upper back muscles, first stretch the chest muscles (which are typically tight and turning off the very muscle group you are trying to strengthen) and then stretch the upper back muscles (combined, this stretching will maximizes muscle firing). Once your stretching is done, then strengthen the chest. Try it!  Craig Liebenson, DC

Chiropractic: Being Overweight is Bad For Your Back. Excess body weight, especially around the waist, puts strain on your back. It is like carrying a bag of groceries all day. Being overweight often means being in poor physical condition, with weaker muscles and less flexibility. Both of these factors can lead to low back pain. Even losing a few pounds can make a huge difference.

 

Wellness/Prevention: Get Outside Or Get Sick! People DO NOT get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more. The highest concentration of germs is inside, so if you stay indoors more during the winter,you’re exposed to more germs.

Quote: “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.” ~ Mother Theresa
   

            

Weekly Health Update

Mental Attitude: Laughter and Humor: Natural Ways to Reduce Stress. There is truth to the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughing reduces stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol. It also benefits your immune system by increasing the number and activity of Natural Killer T-cells. These cells act as the first line of defense against viral attacks and damaged cells.  Monique Gilbert, B.Sc.

Health Alert: Sleep On This! Sepracor, makers of Lunesta (the top selling sleep prescription sleep medicine), spent $298 million in advertising in 2006 alone! IMS Health, 2007

 Diet: Feed Your Brain These 3 Brain-Friendly Nutrients:

1) Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to brain development and function. Sources of omega-3s include seafood (especially cold-water fish) and supplements.
2) Choline improves memory and protects against senility in old age. Sources of choline include egg yolks, skim milk, soybeans and lentils.
3) Folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects and improve your ability to think clearly and remember, decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's. Sources include spinach, asparagus, avocado, cereals fortified with B9, and most daily multivitamin supplements. Nutrition Journal, 2005

Exercise: Shoulder and Upper Back Stretching Exercises at Your Desk. Extend one arm out straight in front of you. With the other hand, grab the elbow of the outstretched arm and pull it across your chest, stretching your shoulder and upper back muscles. Hold for 15-30 seconds and release. Repeat on the other side.  Angela Smith, MD

Chiropractic: 4 Ways To Decrease Risk Of Back Pain. 

1) Get adjusted by your chiropractor. Your muscles, bones and ligaments are stressed continuously by normal daily activities (driving, sitting at the computer, lifting your kids, etc.). These stresses add up over time and can lead to muscle tightness, spasms, joint stiffness and pain.

2) Proper ergonomics. Properly set up your computer work station. When lifting, use your legs and trunk. Try to avoid bending the back while you lift.

3) Exercise regularly. Exercise helps the stretching and strengthening of your back muscles.

4) Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension. Watch what you eat as excess weight can contribute to back pain.

Wellness/Prevention: Anti-Smoking Legislation Working! Hospitals report a significant decline in cardiovascular and respiratory admissions in areas where smoking is banned in restaurants.

Canadian Medical Association Journal, April 2010

Quote: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." ~ John F. Kennedy