“If you are obese and have unhealthy eating or activity habits, you have a higher risk for gallstones, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, coronary artery disease (CAD),  stroke, and sleep apnea, among other conditions,” Dr. Dashiell added. “Children who are obese are at risk for many of the same long-term health problems.”

Knowing more about the many ways obesity affects health could help motivate people to get more active and eat better before full-blown disease strikes, Dr. Dashiell said.

“The good news, though, is that weight loss can curtail some obesity-related risks. Losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of body weight offers meaningful health benefits to people who are obese,” he said.

Losing weight may not be effortless, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. To achieve long-term results, it’s best to avoid quick-fix schemes and complex regimens. Focus instead on making modest changes to your life’s daily routine. A balanced, healthy diet and sensible, regular exercise are the keys to maintaining your ideal weight.

Supporting, educating and encouraging the community to become healthy and active is just another way St. Luke’s Hospital continues to provide excellent care, close to home.

– article submitted by Jennifer Wilson