Obesity Is on The Rise
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the UK. Over 2/3 of adults are either overweight or obese. The other worrying fact is that one in 5 children aged between 3-4 are already overweight and this rises in children to one in three for children aged between 10-11.
Whilst the UK government has set out their goals for reducing obesity for both adults and children, the current Covid-19 crisis has put, like so many health plans, the focus on the back burner by several years.
Being overweight or obese put people at many health risks, but heart issues are at the top of the list.
- Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Having these disorders at the same time is a condition called metabolic syndrome, which can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and kidney disease.
- High blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease, is twice as common in obese adults than in those who are at a healthy weight.
- Obesity can also lead to arthritis, which is caused by stress on your joints.
A Likely Trigger For Heart Disease
Obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are a common grouping of risk factors for people with heart disease. Managing all these risk factors will help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What You Can Do Today
Overweight and obesity together represent the 2nd most preventable cause of death in the UK after smoking. There are many things you can do to get your weight under control and to help manage your risk for heart disease:
- Develop a diet and exercise plan that you feel is realistic and that you can maintain.
- Talk to your doctor about medicines that may help control your risk factors for heart disease. If you are prescribed medicines, take them exactly as directed and for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Resolve to make this year a healthier one. Set a weight-loss goal and stick with it.
My Habits that Help Healthy Eating Plan takes 10 Habits over 7 Days to give you the basics of healthy eating habits. If you are interested in having healthy eating habits, then head on over to my Habits that Help page and registered your interest and to get more information.
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