WEIGHT GAIN
Q: I just keep getting fatter, every year. Any thoughts that could help?
A: Overeating during the holidays each year can really add on the pounds. Over time, this can lead to obesity. Having obesity means you have so much body fat, that it could damage your health. It can lead to diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea and stroke. It is hard to change eating habits and exercise habits. Especially, at this time of year. But, it can be done. The doctor looks at the BMI, or the body mass index and waist size. The BMI is the number that is calculated from your weight and height. You can look up the table, yourself at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm A BMI over 30 is considered obesity. You have to take in fewer calories than you burn off to lose weight. How you eat and how active you are play an important role. Our busy lives make it harder to plan and cook healthy. It is too easy to go through a drive-through. Making major changes in your diet usually doesn’t work well. It is best to just eat more healthy food, adjust portions, and become more active. Otherwise, you won’t stick to it. If you have tried all of these changes and still are having trouble, you may consider prescription medications or surgery to help.
Dr. Rick Casey
Questions can be submitted directly to the providers, called in to Mercy Clinic at 417/876-5851 or submitted through their new App mymercy.net.
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