Prevention and Causes of Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes
It’s not easy being healthy. In a world of fast food dollar menus and TiVo, deep-fried Oreos and Nintendo DS, it’s no wonder that obesity statistics are on the rise, and rates of diabetes and hypertension along with them. Add stressors such as a volatile stock market and rising costs of living, and it seems amazing that anyone can find the time or energy to stay healthy, stress-free and in shape.
In recent years, doctors have been making great strides in the fields of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and it’s become evident that these conditions are all interrelated—and intrinsically liked to stress levels and overall health. Unlike many other life-threatening conditions, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are preventable if you can make informed lifestyle choices. While genetics play a role in the onset of these conditions, managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet and fitness regimen are crucial to their prevention. Here are some more useful facts to help acquaint you with the basics of these three common American health issues:
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Obesity is defined as having an excess of body fat, or a BMI (body mass index, determined by height and weight) over 30. Obesity in America is on the rise; 25 percent of American children are obese, and nearly 4 million Americans weigh in at over 300 pounds. While many people first consider obesity a cosmetic concern, being severely overweight is actually a major risk factor for many potentially fatal diseases—most notably hypertension and diabetes.
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Hyptertension, or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and is caused by a variety of factors. Genetics play a role, as do gender, age and stress levels. Obesity, too, is a leading cause of hypertension, due to an excess of adipose (fat) tissue and insulin, which elevate blood pressure levels.
- Diabetes symptoms, including changes in appetite and thirst levels, are often intrinsically related to weight gain. Diabetics either don’t produce enough insulin, or are resistant to its effects, meaning that the body’s insulin levels constantly need to be monitored. While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be prevented and managed.
Simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risk of becoming obese and developing high blood pressure and diabetes, particularly if these conditions run in your family. Read on for more information about how to prevent (or manage) these conditions.
Resources
American Sports Data staff. (n.d.) Latest statistics on America’s obesity epidemic. Retrieved June 4, 2009, from the American Sports Data Web site: http://www.americansportsdata.com/obesitystats.asp.
Hunka, G. (2008). Fighting obesity, hypertension, diabetes and other metabolic diseases by computer. Retrieved June 4, 2009, from the Medical News Today Web site: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/125865.php.
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