Lose a Little…Gain a Lot

You know that losing that excess weight would improve your health, but did you know it’s not an all-or-nothing choice? Shedding just 5-10 percent of your body weight can give you a new lease on life. “Whether you’re slightly overweight or obese, any decrease in body mass index (BMI) will reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” says bariatrician (weight-loss specialist) Theresa Piotrowski, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Excess weight can raise your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Trim down and you’ll have a better chance of sidestepping the heart disease that can result. You’ll also have more energy and reduce your risk for many other chronic health problems. “Obese patients typically are on several medications,” Piotrowski says. “For every 15 pounds they lose, on average, they can eliminate or decrease the dose of one medication.”

You’re considered overweight if your BMI (height-weight ratio) is 25-30, and obese if it’s over 30. “The best time to consider weight loss is when you hit the 25-27 range—overweight and heading into obesity,” Piotrowski says. “People who are a little overweight tend to become a little obese.” Take action now and you can halt that trend.

Want to Know More about Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Weight Management Program? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, January-February 2008

ARTICLE TOOLS: