Fortunately, strengthening your quadriceps (the muscles on the fronts of the thighs) changes the equation, and so does losing weight. Each pound you lose reduces knee pressure in every step you take. One study found that the risk of developing osteoarthritis dropped 50% with each 11-pound weight loss among younger obese women. If older men lost enough weight to shift from an obese classification to just overweight — that is, from a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher down to one that fell between 25 and 29.9 — the researchers estimated knee osteoarthritis would decrease by a fifth. For older women, that shift would cut knee osteoarthritis by a third.
Being overweight raises your risk for developing osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint like the knee — and even in the hand, according to some research, since inflammatory factors related to weight might exacerbate this condition. Simply walking across level ground puts up to one-and-a-half times your body weight on your knees. That means a 200-pound man will deliver 300 pounds of pressure to his knee with each step. Off level ground, the news is worse: each knee bears two to three times your body weight when you go up and down stairs, and four to five times your body weight when you squat to tie a shoelace or pick up an item you dropped.
Fortunately, strengthening your quadriceps (the muscles on the fronts of the thighs) changes the equation, and so does losing weight. Each pound you lose reduces knee pressure in every step you take. One study found that the risk of developing osteoarthritis dropped 50% with each 11-pound weight loss among younger obese women. If older men lost enough weight to shift from an obese classification to just overweight — that is, from a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher down to one that fell between 25 and 29.9 — the researchers estimated knee osteoarthritis would decrease by a fifth. For older women, that shift would cut knee osteoarthritis by a third.
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Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Colorado is the only state with an obesity rate of under 20%! Take a look at the latest obesity map. My state: Georgia is weighing in at a healthy 28% obesity rate. Of course, Mississippi leads the pack again at a whopping 34%!
You can check out your state here. It's sad when you read an article that obesity is now a problem for pregnant women (and unborn child). This article starts by stating:
As Americans have grown fatter over the last generation, inviting more heart disease, diabetes and premature deaths, all that extra weight has also become a burden in the maternity ward, where babies take their first breath of life. Read the entire article. I was watching a PBS special about 60s rock bands who appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. When there was a clip of the Mammas and Pappas, it appeared to me that Cass Elliott wasn't as big as I remembered (she was pretty big). With a little research, it appears she weighed about 300 pounds.
The point that I'm trying to make: Since we see so many obese people now, 250 - 300 pounds doesn't seem so out of place. It's the new normal. This might be the reason why our perception has changed. Here's a piece of trivia. Her real name was Ellen Naomi Cohen. CNBC investigates a nationwide epidemic and why in a society obsessed with being thin, it has never been easier to be fat.
Be sure to watch One Nation Overweight. Check it out: http://overweightnation.cnbc.com Upcoming show times (be sure to record it): Saturday, May 22nd 7p ET Sunday, May 23rd 10p ET Monday, May 24th 8p ET Sunday, May 31st 1a | 8p ET Sunday, June 6th 9p ET Friday, June 11th 8p ET Early in the interview, this amazing statistic is introduced: In 1960, women between the ages of 20 and 29 averaged about 127 pounds by 2000 that average had climbed to 157 pounds. This fascinating interview explains our national dilemma. The CDC has mapped out the trends. When you hear or read about the obesity epidemic, this is the source. It's great for Crayola. They're running out of colors. Because of the "Food Revolution" everyone is familiar with Huntington, West Virginia, however, Mississippi is the most obese state in the union. Not to worry Ole Miss, you have lots of company. Note: To view all the percentages, click the full screen icon. While I do not agree with some of his predictions - an obese 16 year-old will be dead by age 22 - he does touch on some of the problems and issues with food in American society. It's very nice that Mrs. Obama has Tiki Barber, an NFL star, on her team. However, here's the reality of the NFL and food. Take a peek. It ain't pretty. Here's a PSA with Drew Brees and President Obama. However, take a look at the picture below the PSA. That's the reality. Mrs. Obama's initiative to end childhood obesity is noble. However, it's taking a systems approach...change ingrained institutions. They will be difficult, if not impossible, to change.
It would be much easier to focus on the individual. Try to change individual behavior. |
Welcome to my blog about diet, health, and lifestyle issues. You'll find snippets and tidbits to assist with living a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy. - Ken Leebow
I'm a professional speaker. If your organization would like someone to speak on the subject of diet, health, and lifestyle issues, please contact me.
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