DIET AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: HEALTHY DIET FOR INDUCING WEIGHT LOSS IN THE OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE PATIENT

Am I Obese?

Obesity is a condition that occurs when the size or number of fat cells in a person's body increases. The average person, male or female, most experts state, have around thirty billion fat cells. However, when a person gains weight so that the BMI is more than 30, he or she is said to be 'obese'. This means that the fat cells have increased in size and in number.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disorder that contributes to the development of several diseases; type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, reproductive disorders, certain cancers (cervical, breast, prostate and colon), joint problems, gallbladder disease and lung disease. A person is overweight if their body mass index (BMI) is greater than 25KG/M2. Likewise, a person is considered obese if their BMI is greater than 30 KG/M.

To determine your BMI, click here.

Obesity in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate and is of epidemic proportions. Obesity is caused by many genetic and environmental influences, but ultimately, but ultimately, weight excess is related to consuming more calories than your body can burn.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes in the Management of Obesity

There are many actions that one can take to be an active participant in your own weight loss efforts. Following the steps listed below one can expect to lose the safe average of one to two pounds a week. In order to lose this amount safely, one must reduce the intake of calories by 500 to 1000 calories a day. Keeping a journal will help you keep track of what you are eating and how many calories you are taking in.

A balanced caloric reduction per day will include:

· 50 percent to 60 percent carbohydrates

· 15 percent protein

· Limit saturated fat to less than 10 percent of total daily calories

· Depending on LDL status, limit cholesterol to 200 to 300 mg

· 10 to 25 grams of fiber

· Supervision by a dietician if needed

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates include sugars, starches and fiber. After digestion and absorption in the intestine, these carbohydrates are converted into glucose, the body's primary source of energy. Sugars are absorbed quickly. Some starches may be rapidly converted into sugars. Some fiber is digested and the carbohydrate absorbed. Other forms of fiber are not digested and can bulk up the stool. Both forms of fiber are very good for the body and are found in whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.

Proteins

Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines and antibodies. A good source of these can be found in meat, eggs, milk and beans.

Fiber

Fiber is a substance found in foods that come from plants. Fiber aids the digestion process and has been linked to lowered cholesterol. It can also help lower blood glucose levels. The two types of fiber in food are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, found in beans, fruits, and oat products, dissolves in water and is thought to help lower blood fats and blood glucose. Insoluble fiber, found in whole-grain products and vegetables, passes directly through the digestive system.

Calcium

Calcium is a key component in the body that is responsible for bone, teeth, hair and nail maintenance and growth. The body needs it for a variety of functions, such as blood clotting, the transmission of nerve signals, muscle contraction and proper heart function.

**AACE does not endorse any particular commercialized or fad diet for weight loss.

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