Tipping the Scales: The Many Health Threats of Obesity

Unless you have a medical condition, such as an inactive thyroid problem, obesity is very much a lifestyle choice. Inactive lifestyles where we drive everywhere, even to the corner store, have become commonplace in North American culture. And it’s not just affecting adults these days. Children sit in front of video games, computers and watch television, sometimes for more than 5-6 hours per day! This dangerous trend shows it’s affect on our kids as record child obesity rates continue to rise every year.

Is obesity really a lifestyle choice?
North Americans make a definite lifestyle choice when they choose fast food, sugars and processed foods over home-cooked, naturally grown fruits and vegetables. Meal sizes (another free choice) are also getting larger, adding to the obesity problems in our society.

And it’s not only the weight that’s a concern. Diabetes and heart conditions are on the rise as well, which is not a surprise since obesity is a leading contributor to both conditions.

The real question is: when do we wake up and take control of our lives? While obesity in most cases is a lifestyle choice, so too is a healthy lifestyle.

How can you overcome a life of obesity?
The fact remains that by choosing your food more carefully, and by limiting meal sizes alone, you can make a real impact on your waistline. Five to six small meals (about the size of your palm) instead of three large meals per day can help shed pounds, as can adding healthy foods and avoiding the greasy, fried kind.

Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can help your cardiovascular system, and burn calories at an enormous rate. Even taking small steps, like walking to the store or up a flight of stairs instead of taking the elevator can improve your overall health, and burn calories.

Weight training, which helps build muscle capable of burning more calories, is a great way to lose weight. While children who are still developing shouldn't partake in regular weight training, adults certainly should. After just 30 minutes of weight training, your body's metabolism is boosted for up to 48 hours! That means you don't even have to do very much, and your body is still burning excess calories faster than it did before you lifted a weight.

Limiting computer time to an hour a day, for both yourself and your kids can have a huge impact on everyone’s health. Parents that lead by example and remain active show their kids that physical health is important.

Is there a change on the horizon?
Thanks to alarming medical statistics and more media exposure, the rising obesity levels in North America are starting to get more attention. And it shows in some ways. Fast food chains are starting to come out with healthy living menus, giving consumers more choices of what to put in their mouths. Joggers can be seen in droves on our city streets, and gyms are busy helping people begin to change their lifestyles.

However, more work is needed. Awareness must still be boosted, and lifestyles changed. By altering your lifestyle even a little, and trimming down, you can significantly prolong your life.

Isn't it time you took a look at your lifestyle? Don’t the advantages of a healthy lifestyle far outweigh the risk to your health posed by obesity? If you answered yes to both or even one of these questions, don't stop now! Get active and start changing your lifestyle to a healthier one.