Tag Archives: bmi

Asthma and Obesity- Is there a connection?

Posted on November 28, 2007 by | Leave a comment

obese.jpg                                                 Non Allergic Asthma is Linked to Obesity-

Although there are already a thousand reasons to lose weight, such as risk for diabetes and premature death, a  study published in the Medical Journal Chest, has given another.  The more obese a person is, the higher their risk for asthma.  Obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 30. (Click here to calculate your BMI). An increased BMI, especially above 40,  is also associated with a significant increase in  risk of death, diabetes, high blood pressure and other horrible diseases. Therefore, in addition to asthma  medical therapy with inhalers, nebulizers, air purifers and allergy avoidance, weight loss can also play a crucial role. The study went on to show:

If BMI increased by just 1 point (see below).

  • Women without allergies- 7.1% increased risk of asthma
  • Women with allergies- 4% increased risk of asthma
  • Men  without allergies- 3.4% increased risk of asthma
  • Men with allergies-  2.4% increased risk of asthma

Real life example:   Woman  #1  is  5’5″ ft. tall /220 lbs. and has a  BMI of 36.6 (Obese),  Women #2  is  150  lbs/ 5’5″ and has a BMI of  25 (Normal).   These 2 woman have a BMI difference of 11.   11 x 7.1 = 77.7% . Therefore, women #1  has  almost a 77.7% increased risk of asthma due to her obesity when compared to Woman #2.

BMI Table:

 BMI  <18.5  Underweight, possibly dangerous
 BMI 18.5 to 25  Healthy
 BMI 25.1 top 30  Overweight
 BMI 30.1 to 40   Obese
 BMI  > 40  Morbid Obese

Recommendation: Weight loss and exercise are still the recommended therapy for overweight and obesity. Please follow up with your Health Care professional for management and assistance.  Although weight loss can not guarantee your  asthma will go away, it will provide numerous health benfits.

Reference:  Chest, 2006; 130: 890-895

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Posted in Allergies, Obese

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Want to Lose Weight?

Posted on November 19, 2007 by | Leave a comment

Obesity Epidemic

1/3 of the US is normal weight according to BMI, 1/3 is overweight and 1/3 is obese. What can we do to decrease our risks for obesity. Below are some ideas that I think you will find useful. 

 

Risk Factors for Obesity

  1. Not Eating Breakfast increases your risk for obesity by   450%

  2. Eating Breakfast away from home increases your risk for obesity by   137%

  3. Going to Bed Hungry (>3 hours after last snack/meal) increases your risk for obesity by   101%

  4. >33% of meals in restaurants increases your risk for obesity by   69%

  5. Eating > 3 hours after waking up increases your risk for obesity by   43%

  6. Dinner biggest meal of day increases your risk for obesity by   6%

  7. Eating at least one midday snack  decreases your risk 39%

    Reference: 6 week abs, Men’s Health 2006

     

Solution:

  1. Breakfast (Oatmeal with ground up flaxseed (Trader Joe’s/Henrys/Wild Oats), Wheat toast with Trans Fat Free Peanut Butter.

  2. Snack #1 at 10:30: Granola, Yogurt, Apple, Banana, Protein Bar, Atkins Bar, Almonds, etc. Organic vegetable preferred.

  3. Lunch: Healthy lunch, sandwich, soup, etc. Consider not eating all the bread.

  4. Snack #2: between 3 and 4PM (Granola, Yogurt, Apple, Banana, Protein Bar, etc, Almonds

  5. Dinner: Healthy dinner with vegetables, protein, carbohydrates. Avoid eating foods after 7PM.

*Although it seems like more food, you will lose weight.

*If you eat 1 or 2 meals a day, your body will go into FAT SAVING MODE! EVERYTHING YOU EAT WILL BE STORED AS FAT! Your Body “thinks” food is in short supply so stores fat.

*Eating more frequently, you speed up your metabolism and your body will go into fat burning mode.


  • The South Beach Diet Book (even if you don’t follow the diet, read the first 116 pages as they will help you learn more about good fats, bad fats, good carbs and bad). Audio Version Available also. I personally prefer this over the Zone diet and Atkins diets as its easier to follow. Weight Watchers is also a good option. 

Don’t:

  • Eat White Bread  (Eat Rye, Whole Wheat instead)

  • Drink Sodas (1 -12oz can has 10 teaspoons/sugar)

  • Eat High Fructose Corn Syrup- Increases likelihood of diabetes, obesity

  • Eat Trans-Fats ( ie hydrogenated oils, partially hydrogenated oils

  • Have more than 2 alcohol beverages/day. More inhibits fat metabolism


Do:

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables. Make a fruit smooth for meal replacement. Don’t add ice cream

  • Exercise 150 minutes/week. Important to get heart rate up (break a sweat).

  • Consider nutritional supplements if recommended.

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Posted in Health & Fitness, Obese, Survival

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