Weight Management
Overweight and obesity
In the United States, overweight and obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years. According to current statistics, more than half of all U.S. adults are considered overweight or obese. Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Obesity and overweight are chronic conditions. A variety of factors play a role in obesity, making it a complicated health issue to address.
People suffering from being overweight or obese have an ever-increasing risk of developing such conditions as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer, dyslipidemia, gallbladder disease and sleep apnea.
Am I overweight or obese?
Your Body Mass Index can help you determine if you are overweight or obese. To calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), use the following formulary please click here.
We interpret BMI values as follows, regardless of age or sex:- Underweight BMI less than 18.5
- Normal: BMI of 19-24
- Overweight: BMI of 25 to 29
- Obese: BMI of 30 or more
Florida Health Care Plans offers its members several options to assist them in shedding those unwanted pounds. For more information see our Exercise Program and Weight Management Program.
Am I eating right?
The following are points to keep in mind when planning a healthy diet.- Reduce the amount of saturated and trans fat
- Eat high fiber foods
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Eat an adequate amount of calcium
- Eat a variety of foods
- Control portion sizes
- Limit alcoholic beverages
