The percentage of overweight and/or obese adults in Louisiana has become an emergent health concern, rising in the past 10 years from 49 percent in 1991 to 63 percent in 2004, as noted by the Louisiana Health Report Card. The percentage of overweight or obese 18-to-24 year olds increased the most.

Understanding what is considered as “average weight,” “overweight” and “obese” is essential to knowing where the danger lies. An individuals body mass index (BMI), an index of weight relative to height, is used to estimate the percentage of fat a person has on his or her body. A person is defined as overweight if his or her BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9 and obese if their BMI is greater than 30.0.

A persons metabolism, food intake and activity level are the three primary factors that most directly affect his or her weight. While people with certain physical disorders may have issues controlling their weight, most people can regulate it by balancing their food intake with the appropriate amount of physical activity. It may seem simple but most do not regulate their weight properly, and as a result the percentage of people categorized as overweight or obese has been steadily and dramatically increasing over the past decade.

Being overweight and/or obese substantially increases the risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, type II diabetes (adult onset), heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and various cancers.

Recent studies indicate that 30 percent of Louisiana diabetics are overweight and another 57 percent are obese. In order to maintain an ideal body weight, it is essential to makethe appropriate lifestyle choices. Practicing healthy eating habits is also necessary for weight control.

Steps to a Healthier LA, New Orleans is a Louisiana Public Health Institute Initiative that hosts healthy living interventions throughout the community. For more information on Steps click here. To instantly calculate your Body Mass Index click here.

Submitted by Rob Anderson. Filed under Obesity

Comments

Yes i have a 15 year old who is over wieght and has pcos and a number of other issues we can't get anything done already went to childerns hospital drove 4 hours for what i felt was nothing i need a endocrinology/diabetes that is close to sulphur la to help. Please help me help my 15 year old daughter before its to late for her.
patty wills on May 18th, 2007

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