Introduction
If you’re concerned about your weight, it’s important to know the signs of obesity. Eating the right foods and exercising regularly are key to maintaining a healthy weight, but if you’re unable to do certain activities, it may be a sign that you’re obese. In this article, we’ll discuss five activities that may be difficult for those who are obese, and provide tips on how to make healthier food choices. We’ll also discuss the importance of regular exercise and how it can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. By following these tips, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of obesity-related health problems.
If You Can’t Do These 5 Things, You May Be Obese — Eat This Not That
Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, with more than one-third of adults considered obese. While there are many factors that contribute to obesity, there are some simple things you can do to determine if you may be at risk. Here are five signs that you may be obese:
1. You Struggle to Climb Stairs
If you find yourself struggling to climb stairs or even walk up a slight incline, it may be a sign that you are carrying too much weight. This is especially true if you find yourself out of breath after a short climb.
2. You Have Difficulty Doing Everyday Tasks
If you find yourself struggling to do everyday tasks such as carrying groceries or even getting out of a chair, it may be a sign that you are carrying too much weight. This is especially true if you find yourself out of breath after a short task.
3. You Have Trouble Fitting into Clothes
If you find yourself having difficulty fitting into clothes that used to fit you comfortably, it may be a sign that you are carrying too much weight. This is especially true if you find yourself having to buy larger sizes than you used to.
4. You Have High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common symptom of obesity. If you find yourself having high blood pressure, it may be a sign that you are carrying too much weight. This is especially true if you find yourself having to take medication to control your blood pressure.
5. You Have High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is another common symptom of obesity. If you find yourself having high cholesterol, it may be a sign that you are carrying too much weight. This is especially true if you find yourself having to take medication to control your cholesterol.
If you find yourself struggling with any of these five signs, it may be time to take a closer look at your diet and lifestyle. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of obesity.
Obesity—defined as a body mass index (BMI) over 30—has become an American epidemic. It’s estimated that more than 42% of U.S. adults are obese today, compared to 15% in 1970. The condition drastically increases your risk of serious illness, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. The sooner you identify problematic weight gain, the easier it can be to reverse. If you can’t do these five things, you may be obese. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Experts say the first sign of impending obesity is usually increasing waist size. Your pants may not fasten as easily, or you may have to loosen your belt a notch. It’s also a sign that you’re putting on fat in the most dangerous area: Visceral fat (also known as abdominal fat or belly fat) can increase the risk of heart disease, liver problems and cancer. You’re at increased risk of health problems if your waist is above 40 inches if you’re a man, and above 35 inches if you’re a woman. To avoid this, measure your waist regularly and make lifestyle changes if necessary.
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“When people start to put on too many pounds, it’s harder for them to stay motivated,” John Ratey, MD, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told ETNT Health. “They’re more lethargic — in everything, not just in their pursuit of wellness.”
The solution: Be realistic about your goals. “Don’t set outrageous goals, which a lot of people do when they’re trying to lose weight,” says Ratey. “Go small and obtainable. It’s important to have those weekly victories, if you will, because that adds to a positive self-concept. Feeling better about yourself helps you push forward.” One to two pounds a week is a realistic weight-loss pace.
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If you find yourself looking toward the scale, then looking away without actually stepping onto it, you could be setting yourself up for weight gain. According to Yale Medicine, people who weigh themselves regularly are more likely to keep their weight in a healthy range.
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The pandemic threw everything off track. But now’s the time to make plans to resume your wellness routines or address any weight you’ve gained. “You have to have routines. You can’t just be sailing along, hoping for the best. Start with the fundamentals,” says John Morton, MD, MPH, MHA, of Yale Medicine. “That means getting up in the morning, taking a shower, getting breakfast, and having a plan for the day. Purpose gives direction, and it helps when it comes to weight.”
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Experts say sugar-sweetened drinks are a major contributor to obesity. Cutting them out of your diet may slash your risk of becoming obese. According to the CDC, sugar-sweetened drinks include regular soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and coffee and tea beverages with added sugars. “One soda a day, depending on the size (8 oz to 20 oz), could provide 270 to 690 calories a day,” wrote Caroline M. Apovian, MD, FACP, FACNC, in the American Journal of Managed Care. “Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increase in the risk of obesity; the risk increases 1.6 times for each additional serving of sugar-sweetened drink consumed daily.” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.