Standing Up To Obesity

Did you know that there is an Obesity Action Coalition?  It is a national non-profit organization dedicated to giving a voice to the individual affected by the disease of obesity and helping individuals along their journey toward better health through education, advocacy and support.
Obesity is a condition that is associated with having an excess of body fat, defined by genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control when dieting. Obesity increases the risk of developing related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, and more. Many people are affected by obesity and are not aware of it.

Obesity is more than just a plain weight loss issue.  It is a health condition that develops over time.  There are many causes that directly and indirectly contribute to obesity. Behavior, environment and genetics are among the main contributors to obesity.  Behavior involves the food choices we make and our physical level of activity.  Environment is the family, work or social attitudes and life style we associate with.  Finally, genetics is the inherited physical (and emotional) characteristics we received from our parents and family tree.

Generally, the choices we make affect the health of our body. To make good choices, it requires effort and commitment.  We can make the ability to choose easier when we make the desired behavior a habit.  It simply becomes a part of what we do.

One behavioral habit that cuts the risk of obesity (without even dieting!) is standing.  Standing a quarter of the day cuts the risk to 32 percent and standing half the day cuts it by 59 percent. While exercise and good food choices would help cut the risk of obesity even more, standing is still an important tool.

Standing up also has the meaning of defending and/or taking action for what you believe in. Standing up to obesity is literally and figuratively a great way to start to eliminate this widespread health risk from your life.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa