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Learning About Bariatrics and Obesity
What is Bariatrics?
Bariatrics is the study and treatment of obesity and those diseases associated
with obesity. Diet, exercise, behavior modification, lifestyle changes, institutional
and home medical equipment, medications and, in some cases, surgery are the
tools used by bariatric physicians to help patients manage obesity.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue
in relation to lean body mass. The amount of body fat (or adiposity) includes
concern for both the distribution of fat throughout the body and the size of
the adipose tissue deposits. Body fat distribution can be estimated by skinfold
measures, waist-to-hip circumference ratios, or techniques such as ultrasound
computed tormography, or magnetic resonance imaging.2
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index or BMI is a tool for indicating weight status in adults, representing
weight levels associated with the lowest overall risk to health. It is a measure
of weight for height. For adults over 20 years old, BMI falls into one of these
categories:3
BMI
Below 18.5: Underweight
18.5 - 24.9: Normal
25.0 - 29.9: Overweight
30.0 - and above: Obese
How Does BMI Relate To Health?
The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death.
As BMI increases, the risk for some disease increases. Some common conditions
related to overweight and obesity include:3
Cardiovascular Disease
High Blood Pressure
Osteoarthritis
Premature Death
Some Cancers
Diabetes
Other Indicators of Health Risk.
BMI is just one of many factors related to developing a chronic disease (such
as heart disease, cancer or diabetes). Other factors that may be important to
look at when assessing your risk for chronic disease include:4
Diet
Physical Activity
Waist Circumference
Blood Pressure
Blood Sugar Level
Cholesterol Level
Family History of Disease
If You Are A Very Large Person, You Can Still
Be Physically Active.
Very large people face special challenges in trying to be active. They may not
be able to bend or move in the same way that other people can. It may be hard
for them to find clothes and equipment for exercising. They may feel self-conscious
being physically active around other people.
What Activities Can An Obese Person Do?
Weight- Bearing Activities:
Activities like walking and golfing, which involve lifting and pushing your
own body weight.
Non-Weight-Bearing Activities
Activities like swimming and water workouts, which put less stress on the joints
because individuals do not have to lift or push their own weight.
Lifestyle Activities
Activities like gardening, which do not have to be planned.5
Where To Begin?
• Start Slowly
The body needs time to get used to a new activity.
• Warm Up
Warm-ups gets the body ready for action. Warm up activities include shrugging
shoulders, tapping feet, swinging arms and marching in place. Everyone should
spend a few minutes warming up for any physical activity-even walking.
• Cool Down
Slow down little by little. Individuals should walk slowly or stretch for a
few minutes to cool down. Cooling down may protect the heart, relax muscles,
and keep individuals from getting hurt.
• Set Goals
Set short-term and long term goals. A short-term goal may be to walk 5 minutes
on at least 3 days for 1 week. A long-term goal may be to walk 30 minutes on
most days of the week by the end of 6 months.
• Get Support
Get a family member or friend to be physically active with the individual. It
may be more fun, and less routine.
• Track Progress
Individuals should keep a journal of their physical activity. People may not
feel like they are making progress but when looking back where the program started,
individuals will be pleasantly surprised.
• Have Fun
Individuals should try different activities to find the ones they really enjoy.
CAUTION
Before starting any physical activity program, contact a medical professional.
2- CDC Nutrition and Physical
Activity http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm
3- CDC Nutrition and Physical Activity http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-adult.htm
4- CDC Nutrition and Physical
Activity http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-means.htm
5- NIH Publication No. 04-4352, May 2004-Article "Active at any Size"
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/activeatanysize/active.html.htm
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