Approximately two out of three of adults and one out of five children in the United States are either overweight or obese. These individuals are at high risk for numerous chronic diseases. In recent times, the increase in obesity has been dramatic. By 2012, it is estimated that three out of four Americans will be considered overweight or obese. The risk factors and causes of obesity are diverse and include a wide range of genetic, metabolic, behavioral, and lifestyle factors. The health and economic consequences of obesity are potentially devastating for the individual and this country as we go forward with national healthcare reform.
I have read before to "think of genetics as a loaded gun and the environment/lifestyle as pulling the trigger". That is, if you put a person who is predisposed to chronic hypertension or diabetes in an environment or lifestyle that promotes weight gain, the patient will most likely get one or both of those diseases. Conversely, if you put the same person in a different environment where it is difficult to gain weight, the disease may never manifest.
Infertility can strike 1 in 6 couples during their reproductive lifetime. Problems with ovulation can be identified in 20 -30% of cases, with a majority of these being related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition characterized by irregular or absent menstrual periods and other medical issues which can predispose women to developing diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Although treatment options are available for women who are not ovulating regularly, altering lifestyle can have a major positive impact on ovulation. Losing weight (fat) with low carbohydrate, low calorie diets, and increasing physical activity can improve ovulatory function in patients with PCOS who are overweight or obese. Many of these women who make changes in their lifestyle can achieve regular, cyclic, and predictable menses with spontaneous ovulation. This can significantly increase the chance of conception without having some of the drawbacks of fertility medications.
Also, a healthier pre-pregnancy weight can be important in reducing the chances of c-section, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other obstetric issues..
Medi-Weightloss Clinics are medically managed and offer low glycemic, lower calorie diets with medical assistance. Using a controlled weight loss program such as this can teach you healthy dietary habits that you can take with you throughout your pregnancy and the rest of your life.
