Don’t become an obesity statistic!

We’ve been hearing for awhile that being overweight has become the norm in the Western world:

• 2 of every 3 adults are overweight
• And one in every 3 dogs is now overweight

While this has always been bad news, the news has just gotten worse – we’ve moved from just being a bit overweight to being obese.

New reports on obesity

This summer, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released frightening statistics and a stern warning about obesity in the United States. Over the last year, the number of adults in the United States who are obese jumped by another half a percent. While that may not sound too bad, this means more than ONE in every FOUR adults is now obese.

These numbers fall on the heels of a report in the journal Obesity, which published staggering projections for weight in United States. Using current trends in obesity, researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health predict that 70 percent of adults in the United States will be overweight or obese by 2010 and 37 percent will be obese. By 2020, three in every four adults will be overweight or obese. And by 2030, four in every five adults will be overweight or obese and half will be obese! By 2048, it is estimated that every single adult around 40 years old will be overweight or obese – EVERY adult!

Think you’re safe if you’re not in the US? The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health published projections for obesity in the United Kingdom, estimating that in 2012, 32 percent of English adults will be obese. And the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health predicts 28 percent of those living in South Australia will be obese by 2013. Researchers at Tulane University used worldwide obesity data to project that there will be over one BILLION obese individuals worldwide by 2030, with an additional two billion overweight.

So what? Being obese is becoming the norm.

Obesity has become so common, that we may not recognize how important it is. A recent newspaper headline announced the Winner of the Fattest State. Mississippi tipped the scales with the highest percentage of citizens obese, followed closely by Alabama, West Virginia, and Tennessee. One in every three adults in each of these states is obese. The state with the lowest rate of obesity was the trim Colorado, where about one in five adults is obese. As we see more and more people tipping the scales, it’s important not to become complacent, thinking, “Everybody’s obese – so what’s the big deal?”

Obesity is a serious public health problem. Obesity is linked to increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, fertility problems, and even cancer! That’s not enough to get your attention? Well how about this – someone 40 percent overweight has TWICE the risk of dying a premature death!

What exactly IS obesity?

Having a few extra pounds here and there is NOT obesity. Extra weight puts added stress on your heart and joints, but we’re not talking about a few love handles. Obesity is generally considered to be having a weight that’s more than 20 percent above your ideal weight.

To determine if your weight is right on track, if you’re overweight, or if you’re obese, you’ll need to calculate your body mass index or BMI. The BMI measures body fat based on your height and weight. You can determine your BMI by entering your height and weight into a simple online BMI calculator (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/).

What can I do to avoid becoming a statistic? And where does Fido fit in?

These numbers are staggering – so what can you do? Start walking your dog – seriously! Researchers in California showed that obesity occurred 65 percent more in dog owners who didn’t walk their dogs compared to those who did. And researchers at the University of Pittsburgh showed that people doing short exercise segments of about 10 minutes at least twice a day did better than people instructed to exercise for one 20-40 minute session daily. Those doing short exercise segments exercised more consistently and lost about 40 percent more weight!

So start a dog walking program with Bailey:

• Take 2-3 short dog walks a day
• Log your walking time with each walk
• Make sure you’re walking a total of 30-45 minutes a day
• As you get more fit, increase your walking pace for added calorie burning
• Track your walking progress with a free walking calendar you can download at www.FitAsFido.com

Do don’t delay! Make a commitment to keep your weight in check and avoid being added to a CDC statistic. Grab a leash, whistle for Fido, and start walking those pounds away!

Article contributed by regular guest blogger, Dawn A. Marcus.

About the author: Dawn A. Marcus, MD is a medical doctor and professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She also serves as medical expert to Del Monte’s Power of Paws program, which promotes better human health through pet companionship. She is an internationally-recognized speaker, educator, and author, receiving the National Headache Foundation Media Excellence Award. Dr. Marcus has written nine medical books, including her latest book, Fit As Fido: Follow Your Dog to Better Health. Visit her websites www.dawnmarcusmd.com and www.fitasfido.com.