Healthy Weight Awareness Month

January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month, and what better way to kick off the new year than reevaluating your health goals!

The National Institutes of Health found that 35 percent of American adults are obese, while an additional 34 percent are overweight. And, according to the American Diabetes Association, obesity rates are only getting worse as time progresses.

For Healthy Weight Awareness Month, we’re looking into what causes us to gain weight and ways to improve our health in 2020.

BMI

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the different weight classifications are:

  1. Normal weight: BMI between 18.5-24.9
  2. Overweight: BMI between 25-29.9
  3. Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher

Click here to calculate your BMI.

Causes

There are numerous factors that can lead to weight gain and other related health issues.  Review these common American habits to determine what changes you and your family need to make this year.

1. Not being physically active

Americans spend the majority of their 24-hour day in the car, sitting at a desk, and lying in bed. Shockingly, 80.2 million people in the United States over the age of six are entirely physically inactive.

Tip: Throughout the day, get extra steps in by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and park farther away from your destination. Join a gym or attend work out classes a few times a week. Invite a friend to come along to keep you accountable and make losing weight more fun!

2. Choosing convenience over quality

It seems that almost any menu you look at, the healthier option is more expensive than the burger and fries. The cost of nutrient-dense foods deters Americans when ordering.

Tip: Save a considerable amount of money while staying healthy by buying groceries and meal prepping for the week ahead of time. By planning your meals out, you can cut a considerable number of calories, carbs, and sugars. You’ll also be less likely to fall into the drive-through trap if there’s food at home.

3. Eating too much

Supersized portions in the United States have distorted what Americans see as a “normal” portion. The portion size served at a restaurant in 2019 is almost triple the size it was in 1999.

Tip: If you eat out, ask for a to-go box with your food. Before you start eating, box up half of the portion size given to take home and save for another meal. Be intentional when ordering and substitute healthier side options for a more balanced meal.

We can help

If you think you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, or other weight-related health issues, we can help. Our laboratory services give quick results for optimal clarity and treatment options. Texarkana Emergency Center is open and ready to assist you 24/7, 365 days a year.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Texarkana Emergency Center and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.


Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Texarkana Emergency Center, or any of our concierge-level, medical facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve.