THE DANGERS OF OBESITY

Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States and is a serious issue in most developed countries. Starting with the Industrial Revolution, labor-saving inventions were welcomed into our homes and workplaces, making us far more productive, but also far more sedentary. We no longer beat the rugs; we vacuum carpeting. We do not chop wood; we turn up the thermostat. Rather than walk to town or ride a horse, we drive a car. And we rarely cook foods from scratch, rather we are far more likely to buy packaged foods for convenience, or have a meal in a restaurant.

The Silent Killer

But hidden in the midst of such convenience exist some recently-discovered dangers. Eating more and moving less has created millions of Americans who are overweight, and tens of thousands who have reached the level of obesity. Obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. For someone 5’10” tall, that would equate to weighing over 209 pounds. “Overweight” according to the BMI index, would be between 174 and 208 pounds, or a body mass index of 25 to 29.9.

The most dangerous aspect to obesity is that, in essence, it is a nearly silent killer. Weight is usually gained slowly enough so that the body adjusts, and the effects are not felt for some time. Additionally, many of the most dangerous effects of obesity are hidden inside the body: the strain on the heart, narrowed arteries, and increased blood flow are not easily recognizable symptoms, and hence are easily ignored. But sooner or later, if left unchecked, these tiny cracks in the foundation of one’s health will result in devastating consequences.

Obese individuals have a 50% to 100% greater chance of dying from a given cause than those of normal weight. To make matters worse, extra poundage stresses the body, compromising the immune system, causing such individuals to more easily fatigue, and depressing the immune system. Thus, when an obese individual catches a cold, the flu, or other illness, he or she has far fewer resources for fighting the disease.

Obesity stresses the lungs as well as the heart, resulting in more labored breathing. Reduced lung function may lead to an increase in colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Being overweight and obese has also been shown by several studies to be linked to an increased risk of cancer. Often the specific tie between the cause and effect has yet to be identified, but research indicates that factors such as decreased immune system functionality or increase in the amount of adipose tissue, (where cancer cells are often found) may well play a significant role. Lack of exercise is also a proven risk factor, especially for breast cancer. A study by the Women’s Health Initiative showed that even 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 18%.

The Good News

The good news is that weight is a situation individuals can control. Changes in diet, increases in exercise, talks with a doctor, and evaluation of the many products available to assist in the quest for lower weight can all have a positive impact. Taking control of your weight is the first step in reducing the dangers of obesity to your overall health. Nutritional cleansing has been shown by abundant anecdotal evidence to drastically reduce the level of obesogens present in the body. With the absence of these toxins, the body no longer needs to hold on to the associated fat needed to protect its vital organs. This results in a measurable drop in body fat levels which in turn leads to weight loss. Isagenix Cleansing Programs will give you the head start you need. Order now