Being Obese is a Major Health Problem – Get Well

It’s not really news to say that obesity has become an epidemic, not just in the United States but in other industrialized countries around the world. When it comes to losing weight and the weight loss industry that goes along with it ( a billion dollar a year industry)…they all try to convince us that we can lose weight quickly, safely and easily if we just invest in their product.

Obesity is such a serious health problem and is so prevalent in our society that it’s time to stop the ridiculousness and get down to some serious weight loss business.

For one thing, while there may be some diets, exercise plans, and pills that can help you get in better shape, don’t think that you can use one of these things and that will be all. You will need to combine eating the proper amount of the right type of food along with some type of activity several times a week to lose weight and stay in shape. Don’t get overwhelmed, eating right is like any other skill, you can easily teach yourself to make better food choices.

Activity can be anything from an hour long cardio class at your gym to taking your dog for a walk.

If you want to reduce, or completely eliminate the health risks you are facing by being out of shape, this is the way you must start. You must also change your thinking. Many of us look at ‘diets’ as short term fixes. That is the best way to set yourself up for failure. Instead look at it as a permanent lifestyle change and you’ll have a much better chance of success.

By getting yourself in better physical condition, here are just some of the nasty things you can avoid:

1. Cardiovascular disease. This can cover many ailments besides just heart attacks. It can also cause high blood pressure, strokes (which may actually be caused more directly by the high blood pressure commonly associated with obesity) and heart disease.

2. Various metabolic diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol and fertility problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

3. Many cancers occur more often in obese patients. Some of the most common are kidney, liver, gallbladder, stomach, prostate, uterine, and pancreatic.

4. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are more prevalent in obese people.

5. Psychological problems such as depression, low self esteem and extreme anxiety.

With all of these health issues, any of which can be potentially fatal, it just makes sense to start today so that you can have a healthier, and longer  tomorrow. The road may be somewhat challenging, but when you’re thinking of giving up just remember that many others have done it before you, and you can do it to. Keep the very real threat of being obese as a major health problem in your mind  not to scare you, but to keep you motivated to make the changes that really can save your life.