Obesity: A Growing Cause of Diabetes

All of us are familiar with the news media reports concerning obesity related illnesses; the number of related deaths is rising. Over the last ten years, the death toll of obesity related diseases has increased by at least thirty percent. Obesity is a contributing factor in heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. It may be startling to know that obesity related diseases are the leading cause of death, but it may also be surprising to realize that you can do something about this problem.

According to the U. S. Surgeon General, the number of obese or overweight adults in this country is fifty percent more than only a decade ago. Children are now being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, typically an adult disease, and 24% of Americans with high blood pressure are children. Studies estimate that a third of the children born in the year 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, this diagnosis also brings with it increased risk of heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney problems, and can prevent the brain from functioning properly. Researchers have discovered that obesity disrupts the metabolism of insulin in the body. Excess weight, particularly at the waistline, leads to an increased risk for developing diabetes and even cancer.

Body Mass Index, or BMI, uses a person's height and weight to calculate where their body mass falls on the chart. If a person's BMI is between 25 and 29, the person is considered overweight; 30 and above is considered obese. People with a BMI over 30 are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than those with a normal BMI index. (Keep in mind that the BMI scale does not work for everyone; it is simply a tool that can be used to help identify diabetes risk factors.)

It is easy to calculate your BMI using the Internet. There are many calculators available online (here is one from the CDC). Fill in the blanks with your height, weight and age and the calculator will provide your BMI. If you are overweight, consider where much of your weight is carried; this too will indicate increased risk factors.

Here is an interesting thought. Studies have shown that adults who ate fast food a minimum of twice a week and gained ten pounds were more likely to develop diabetes than those who maintained a healthy weight, and ate less fast food. While many fast-food franchises have been introducing fruits, salads and bottled water along with other more healthy choices, fast foods still should not be considered part of a healthy eating pattern.

A key to preventing overweight and obese adults and children is education. Many of us do not understand calorie intake, good and bad carbohydrates, and the ratio of proteins and fats in our diet. Nor do we understand how our diets might contribute to diabetes risk factors. It is important to understand what happens to the food your body consumes, and how it affects you. Realizing the consequences of obesity and obesity related diseases can help us decide to start living a healthier lifestyle. Adding regular exercise and eating a balanced and healthy diet can greatly lower the risk of an obesity related disease such as diabetes.

We should all take the lead within our families toward controlling this epidemic of obesity related disease. While our children are young, we have an opportunity to teach them healthy habits that will be with them for the rest of their lives. We should watch what our children eat, read food labels to decide what to purchase, and provide healthy meals and snacks for our families.