Cecilia Lyons Gaffaney, MD, has practiced as a physician for more than 20 years. An OBGYN by specialty, Dr. Cecilia Gaffaney also maintains a personal interest in nutrition and the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
In the past 35 years, adult obesity rates have more than doubled in the United States, while child obesity rates have tripled. The percentage of overweight and obese individuals is higher in the United States than in any other country, and some projections predict that half of all Americans will fall into the obesity category by 2030. This puts these individuals at risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many other serious medical conditions.
Extended studies have shown that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher have a 1,200 percent higher risk of developing diabetes as compared to women in the normal BMI range. Similarly, men with a BMI of 30 or above carry a 700 percent greater risk compared to their counterparts of average build. Studies have also linked excess body weight to coronary artery disease, stroke, and even depression. Meanwhile, excess weight puts strain on the musculoskeletal position, thus causing pain as well as a predisposition to diseases and injuries of the joints.
In the past 35 years, adult obesity rates have more than doubled in the United States, while child obesity rates have tripled. The percentage of overweight and obese individuals is higher in the United States than in any other country, and some projections predict that half of all Americans will fall into the obesity category by 2030. This puts these individuals at risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many other serious medical conditions.
Extended studies have shown that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher have a 1,200 percent higher risk of developing diabetes as compared to women in the normal BMI range. Similarly, men with a BMI of 30 or above carry a 700 percent greater risk compared to their counterparts of average build. Studies have also linked excess body weight to coronary artery disease, stroke, and even depression. Meanwhile, excess weight puts strain on the musculoskeletal position, thus causing pain as well as a predisposition to diseases and injuries of the joints.