Obesity is a significant health concern today in both adults and children in the United States. The following tips are general guidelines to improve patients’ health and prevent obesity:
- Know Your BMI
Using a body mass index (BMI) calculator, you can find out whether you are underweight, have a healthy body weight, are overweight, or obese, and determine if you need to gain, maintain, or lose weight. A BMI calculator is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://goo.gl/Oiy9Ed. - Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables is a good way to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, reduce the risk for chronic diseases, and manage your weight. - Be Physically Active
Adults should aim for 150 minutes of a moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking briskly on a weekly basis, or 75 minutes of a vigorous aerobic activity like jogging, in addition to muscle-strengthening at least 2 days a week. - Don't Get Discouraged!
Leading a healthy lifestyle takes time. Don’t get discouraged if a healthy diet and exercise does not give instantaneous results. The key is being consistent and developing long-lasting habits. - Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
An important component of weight management is to maintain and monitor your body weight after your weight goals have been met, and make adjustments as needed.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight and Obesity: Recommendations. www.cdc.gov/obesity/resources/recommendations.html. Accessed September 17, 2014.