LEAWOOD, Kan. — Sixty-one percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. For each individual, body weight is the result of a combination of genetic, metabolic, behavioral, environmental and socioeconomic influences. Carrying too much weight increases the risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and psychological problems, such as depression.
A high-fiber, low-fat, low-calorie diet and regular exercise can help an individual lose weight gradually, and can help to keep it off. Physical activity is important in preventing and treating obesity and is extremely helpful in maintaining weight loss, especially when combined with healthy eating. The best way to lose weight is to work on the things that have contributed to being overweight, such as:
Weight Management Tips for the Entire Family
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 06, 2002
Contact:
Janelle Davis
American Academy of Family Physicians
(800) 274-2237 Ext. 5222
jdavis@aafp.org
- learning new ways to deal with stress;
- talking with a counselor when feeling lonely or sad rather than resorting to food to fill that void;
- establish a regular eating pattern – for most people this will be three meals a day. Eating habits are learned over time – don’t expect to change them over night. Change them one by one;
- working with a family physician to plan an individualized exercise program– exercise burns calories faster, even when sitting still, by raising metabolism; and
- seek support from family and friends – this is the key to long-term success.
Weight problems also occur in children. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight. The most immediate consequence of being overweight for a child is social discrimination.
A child is considered overweight if he or she is heavier than 85 percent of other children who are the same age and height. Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some tips to encourage a healthy lifestyle in children:
A child is considered overweight if he or she is heavier than 85 percent of other children who are the same age and height. Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some tips to encourage a healthy lifestyle in children:
- learning new ways to deal with stress;
- talking with a counselor when feeling lonely or sad rather than resorting to food to fill that void;
- establish a regular eating pattern – for most people this will be three meals a day. Eating habits are learned over time – don’t expect to change them over night. Change them one by one;
- working with a family physician to plan an individualized exercise program– exercise burns calories faster, even when sitting still, by raising metabolism; and
- seek support from family and friends – this is the key to long-term success.
Weight problems also occur in children. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight. The most immediate consequence of being overweight for a child is social discrimination.
A child is considered overweight if he or she is heavier than 85 percent of other children who are the same age and height. Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some tips to encourage a healthy lifestyle in children:
Most children eat what they are given by family members and caregivers. Foods should not be prepackaged, sugary or high in fat. Instead, children should eat foods that are low in fat and high in fiber — fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and meats. A healthy diet is good for the entire family.
Making permanent changes in eating and exercise habits is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Make an appointment today to speak with your family physician about weight control — he or she can help you plan an exercise program and encourage healthy eating habits.
A child is considered overweight if he or she is heavier than 85 percent of other children who are the same age and height. Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some tips to encourage a healthy lifestyle in children:
Most children eat what they are given by family members and caregivers. Foods should not be prepackaged, sugary or high in fat. Instead, children should eat foods that are low in fat and high in fiber — fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and meats. A healthy diet is good for the entire family.
Making permanent changes in eating and exercise habits is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Make an appointment today to speak with your family physician about weight control — he or she can help you plan an exercise program and encourage healthy eating habits.
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Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 110,600 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.
Approximately one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is 240 million office visits each year — nearly 87 million more than the next largest medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.
To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, www.FamilyDoctor.org.
