In recent years, more and more people seem to be trying to justify obesity, often claiming that being large is beautiful. Some even want to say that it is the “new normal.” It is a very unhealthy claim because staying obese will likely shorten your life. On the other hand, losing those extra pounds could enable you to live a few years longer.
Some health experts say that they expect America’s life expectancy rates to decrease in the following years because of obesity. With Americans putting on so much weight during the COVID shutdowns, many people will be dying younger.
The standard measurement for what is considered normal and what is obese is the BMI. Although it does not fit everyone, most people can benefit by following the numbers for a normal BMI as a healthy guideline. The lowest death rates occur among people with a BMI of 22 to 25.
People that are obese have a BMI of 30 or more. Some studies have revealed that those with a BMI under 30 but still overweight, may not have their lifespan affected by the extra weight.
Several of the leading causes of death in America can be linked to problems created by obesity. In addition to diabetes, health problems include cardiovascular disease, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, cataracts, gout, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, and more.
The World Health Organization says that almost half (44%) of all diabetes cases are caused by being overweight. Almost as many cases – 41 percent – are also related to obesity.
Researchers say that these diseases, and more, could reduce your lifespan by as much as 20 years, if you are obese. Men are more likely to die early because of obesity – possibly 20 years earlier, but women may only lose five years off their normal life expectancy. Childhood obesity often leads to obesity as an adult and it raises the risk of dying early even more.
Some people that consider that they have a “healthy obesity” may discover that they start developing obesity symptoms the same as others who are obese. This means that being obese is not at all healthy – though some may develop symptoms later than others.
If you discover that you are seriously overweight and could be classified as obese, you may want to consider what the causes of obesity are in your life. Drastic measures are available to take off the weight, such as a gastric bypass, bariatric surgery, or plastic surgery, but learning how to control your diet will help you more with keeping the weight off.
Losing weight must be a decision you make to start living a healthier lifestyle. Oftentimes, you will notice a gain in health as you lose more weight, even just five pounds, which should encourage you to lose even more.
Weight loss for longevity usually needs to start with consuming less sugar and calories – often found in carbohydrates. Sugary drinks also need to be reduced because they often have about nine teaspoons of sugar. It includes sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and specialty coffees and teas. You also want to start adding more fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains to your diet.
