Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | April 2023
HEALTH TIP : Losing Can Make You a Winner !
Most obese people ( those whose body mass index is over 30 ) truly want to slim down and look better . For many being overweight is how they look . But obesity is more than just how you look on the outside , it ’ s about your health . According to Bariatric Surgeon Michael Bilof , MD , being severely overweight also causes many chronic health issues , including :
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Heart disease High blood pressure Type 2 diabetes Sleep apnea Stroke Gallbladder disease Many types of cancer Joint problems , especially in the hips , knees and feet Depression and anxiety
“ I think people have a general sense that being overweight is not good for them ,” said Dr . Bilof “ but I don ’ t know if they truly understand how carrying all that excess weight around affects their overall health . The extra fat that patients are carrying really effects every system in the body ( particularly the heart ). The good news is that losing that extra weight can improve almost every system in the body .”
What About Diet and Exercise ? Dr . Bilof urges everyone who is overweight to try and lose the pounds .
“ For many people being disciplined in dieting and exercise can do the trick . If you can support your efforts with a nutritionist , a personal trainer , or health coach who can guide you and cheer you on , it can make a real difference in achieving your weight loss goals . For those who can stick to a healthy eating regimen , along with a targeted exercise plan , the results can be amazing . Not only does the weight come off , but you feel healthier , have more energy , and many chronic health problems begin to resolve . The problem is that once someone has a BMI over 40 ( meaning they are about 100 lbs . above their ideal weight ) the chances of diet and exercise working are much less .”
Other Options ?
For those who have tried -- and been unsuccessful -- with diet and exercise , Dr . Bilof said that bariatric surgery could be a considered option .
“ The term bariatric surgery encompasses several surgical procedures performed on the stomach or intestines . These procedures work by either reducing the size of the stomach , making you feel full even after eating less food , or by rerouting the digestive tract so that food bypasses part of your digestive process .”
Dr . Bilof added that for patients who have a BMI of greater than 40 studies clearly show that bariatric surgery is the most successful approach to long term weight loss and improved health .
“ Losing the weight is great ,” he said “ and usually it builds confidence and self-esteem , as well as new healthy patterns of living that sustain ongoing good health . But besides improving your self-image , the patients we ’ ve seen that have had bariatric surgery often reduce many of their complicated health issues and are able to lower their blood pressure , their cholesterol levels , sometimes reverse their diabetes , sleep better , and feel more flexible and able to move . Bariatric surgery can be a real life changer . This is how losing can make you a winner !”
For more information visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
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