Obesity Archives - Be Well SHBP

Childhood Obesity Is a Major Problem—Is Your Child at Risk?

Nearly 5 million American children—some 15 percent of all kids aged 10 to 17—were obese in 2017-2018 according to an October 2019 report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). These findings suggest the childhood obesity epidemic isn’t really improving. In 2016, the national obesity rate among this age group was 16 percent—a statistically insignificant…

How Obesity Affects Your Mental Health

Nearly 40 percent of US adults—more than 93 million Americans—are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, over 71 percent of adults are considered overweight. It’s well established that carrying an excessive amount of body fat increases the risk for a slew of chronic health conditions, including blood pressure, high…

Is Poor Sleep Making Kids Obese?

Childhood obesity is an American epidemic, affecting almost 1 in 5 children and adolescents. And while it’s well understood that unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity contribute greatly to the problem, more research suggests that poor sleep influences obesity in kids, as well. “There are lots of studies showing that kids who are…

6 Surprising Factors That Increase Your Obesity Risk

In June 2013, the American Medical Association declared obesity—defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher—as a disease requiring multiple interventions for treatment and prevention. These can include behavioral modifications, medications and possibly surgery. The numbers are jarring. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third (36.5…