Posted on December 20, 2017 at 11:59 AM by Doug Bolnick
WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE FITNESS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 35% of American adults and nearly 20% of our children are obese, which is defined as having a Body Mass Index greater than 30. Obesity is a common, serious and costly health problem — but it can be controlled or prevented through a collaborative effort involving you, your community and others.
Dangers of Obesity
Research shows that obese individuals face a higher risk for developing diseases that are among the leading causes of death in our country. Obesity is considered a factor in developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure, stroke and some sleeping or breathing conditions. Along with health problems, obese children and adults tend to experience social and psychological effects like discrimination and low self-esteem. Additionally, the estimated annual medical costs for obesity is more than $100 billion, and individual costs for people who have obesity is more than $1,400 higher than those of normal weight.
Take Steps to Improve Your Health
There are many things that you can do to improve the health of your family:
- Assess your weight by determining your BMI – A Body Mass Index of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, and one of 30 or greater is “obese.”
- Set a goal – SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Measurable. Be reasonable in your expectations and complete larger tasks through smaller successes.
- Change your diet - Weight loss occurs through a decrease in caloric intake. Reducing your diet by 500-1000 calories per day will steadily decrease your weight.
- Exercise 30 to 60 minutes each day at moderate intensity – Eating fewer calories will result in weight loss, but the only way to maintain the loss is through physical activity.
Two is Better than One
The best way to start improving your weight is by utilizing a support network. Find a good partner among family and friends that will help you stay on track and challenge you to meet mutual goals. A good partner is one who:
- You enjoy being around.
- Is a good role model.
- Has compatible goals and schedules.
- Presents a positive attitude.
Here are more benefits of working out with a partner:
- Increase exercise – A partner keeps you accountable so you don’t miss workouts and fuels intensity by challenging you to do more.
- Increase the fun – Since you’re both in it together, you can share the joys and the frustration. Initiate a challenge to beat your partner each week and reap the rewards.
- Improve form – A workout buddy will make sure you use proper form, can assist with spotting on difficult tasks and can teach new techniques.
Share your fitness goals and successes with us on
Facebook. We all can do our part in keeping St. Charles County as one of
Missouri’s Healthiest.
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