Overweight and

Overweight and Obesity:

Obesity: Steps
Steps Towards
Towards Health Health
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Overweight and Obesity

 Overweight
 Knee Pain
 High Blood Pressure
 Pre-Diabetes

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The Epidemic

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults

BRFSS, 1991, 1996, 2003
(*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” person)

1991 1996

2003

No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC.

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Overweight and Obesity Defined

Overweight
BMI = 25 -29

Obese
BMI = 30 +

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Facts about obesity

 Over 60% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese

 The average American gains 1.5-2 pounds/year from 20-
40 years old
 Increased weight (BMI level) is directly linked with health
risks

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What are the causes of obesity?

 Genes and Culture

 Personal Health Choices
 Increased Calories Eaten
 Decreased Physical Activity

 Community and Environment

 Easy Access to High Calorie Foods
 Decreased Access to Physical Activity

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Key to Having a Healthy Weight

 Know Yourself
 Take Action
 Make it Easier to be Healthy

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Know Yourself

 What are the situations where I tend

to eat or drink more than I should?
 What gets in the way with being
active or exercising?
 How do I keep track of my eating,
activity and weight?
 How do I handle stress?

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Take Action

 Set reasonable goals (10% weight loss

over 6 months)
 If you can’t lose weight, try not to gain
weight
 Little things make a difference!
 Eat breakfast every day
 Eat smaller portions
 Take the stairs

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Take Action

 Physical Activity
 Increase gradually
 Goal: 30- 60 minutes or more of daily
moderate to vigorous activity
 Healthy Eating
 Fruits - 2 cups per day
 Vegetables - 2 1/2 cups per day
 Whole-Grain - 3 or more 1 ounce
servings per day
 Low-Fat Dairy - 3 cups per day

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Make it Easier to Be Healthy

 Buy low fat, fresh foods

 Find activities which are fun and
convenient
 Advocate that schools and work
sites offer healthy foods

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Kaiser Permanente’s Approach to Obesity

 BMI screening and counseling

 Information and personalized online
programs on Physician Home Pages (
www.kp.org/mydoctor)
 Pedometers, weight management
classes, Weight Watcher discounts
 Community health improvement
activities

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Live Long and Thrive

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