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The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition reported by 2030, half of all adults (115 million adults) in the United States will be considered overweight.
Obesity is defined as an excess proportion of total body fat (20 percent above normal weight).
The most common way to measure obesity is by Body Mass Index (BMI), a numerical value of weight in relation to height.
A BMI of more than 30 is considered overweight. If pregnant, breastfeeding or highly trained/athletic looking at BMI may not be the best way to calculate obesity.
The AHA lists losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight as a part of Life's Simple 7 key factors to keeping one's heart healthy and improving quality of life.
When someone is carrying too much weight it increases his/her heart's work. It also raises blood pressure, bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lowers good cholesterol levels.
The AHA states, "All exercise adds up to a healthier heart," and studies show that for every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggests 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults and 60 minutes a day for children, at least five days a week.
When starting to exercise, it is suggested to adhere to the following:
Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and properly fitted footwear
Start slowly and gradually build up to 30 minutes of activity on all or most days
Find a convenient time/place to be active.
Try to exercise at the same time, so it becomes a part of your lifestyle.
Have reasonable expectations
Look for chances to be more active during the day (walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator)
Choose activities that are fun and try to add variety
Avoid exercising immediately after meals, or when it is very hot/humid
Workout with family and friends/Listen to music to stay motivated
Remember to breathe (do not hold your breath)
Use proper safety equipment
Warm up/stretch before and after a workout
Encouraging the public to make healthy strides, the Pikeville Medical Weight Loss Surgery Center is hosting its first Reclaim Your Life 5K run and 1 mile fun run/walk on Saturday, May 4, 2012.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Main Street, and the race will start at 9 a.m.
For more information about the race, or to pre-register call PMC's Public Relations Department at 606-218-4509. Check with your primary care physician before beginning any new exercise program.
Source: http://webmd.com, http://fitness.gov, http://heart.org