9/20/2007 - Fit for Life - Severe Obesity in the News - Russ Melgar, CPT,FT Fitness Coordinator

Despite increased public attention on the risks of obesity and the increased use of drastic weight loss strategies, such as bariatric surgery, the proportion of severely obese Americans -- those with a body mass index of 40 or more -- increased by 50 percent from 2000 to 2005, twice as fast as the increase in moderate obesity, a new RAND Corporation study finds.

During that same period, the proportion of overweight people (BMI of 30 or more) increased by 24 % and the proportion of those with a BMI of 50 or more increased by 75 percent. In the past 20 years, the largest percentage increases have occurred in the heaviest weight groups.

"The proportion of people at the high end of the weight scale continues to increase at a brisk rate," reported Roland Sturm, the study’s author. The study concluded that three percent of Americans are severely obese. The health care costs for severely obese people are expected to be double that of normal weight people, while health costs for moderately obese people are expected to be 25 percent more.

For a frame of reference, the body mass index, or BMI, is a ratio of weight to height. A typical severely obese man weighs 300 pounds at a height of 5 feet 10 inches, while a typical severely obese woman weighs 250 pounds at a height of 5 feet 4 inches.

The more you can do to develop healthy lifestyle patterns, which in turn will optimize weight, the better off you will be in the long run. For those who need support in order to stop the spiraling weight gain, many programs exist throughout the country. Our program, Transformations, the 11-day weight loss and lifestyle management program, has seen great success in a very short period of time (www.shtransformations.com). Our data on over 300 participants shows consistent, profound decreases in lab values, weight and blood pressure in only 9 days, not to mention significant improvement in well being.

Transformations participant Patty Brown’s testimonial is a powerful one: “Ever since adolescence I have struggled with my weight,” she says. “I’ve been on all the diets, and nothing ever seemed to work – sure I lost a few pounds here and there but I always inevitably put it back on . . . and more. I realized I really didn’t know what it was like to live a healthy lifestyle. I’m an intelligent woman and know the theory about calories in and calories out but had no concept that living a balanced and healthy lifestyle was more than that.” Says Brown of her experience, “I learned that it’s not just food that your body needs, but good food. I also learned how to deal with the emotional element of overeating. I am proud to say that I have lost this weight once and for all! I was so far out of balance and I can now see that. I lost over 60 pounds and have kept it off for 2 years now. My cholesterol was sky high and is now within the normal range. And I not only feel good, I feel good about myself too!” She adds, “Every once in a while I still have a treat – but the difference is, I am really mindful not to eat out of emotion. And being healthier has already helped me get through many emotional situations so much more easily. It is so wonderful to have my life back!!”