[McKinsey WilsonParticipant]

Thanks for your response, Brett! I agree that a certain level of Vitamin C is important in promoting a healthy immune system, but these “megadoses” of Vitamin C can’t prevent the common cold. It’s definitely important to communicate this information to the general public, because there are many who believe that Vitamin C is the “cure-all” for preventing mild sicknesses.

[McKinsey WilsonParticipant]

Researchers have found that those who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of premature death. This increased mortality risk is largely due to a range of chronic diseases that can be associated with obesity. With 67% of the US population being either overweight or obese, chronic disease and increased mortality risk have become major concerns for our society today (1).

Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in the US, and it is more likely to develop in those who are overweight or obese (2). High blood pressure, a precursor to heart disease, is three times more common in obese adults than healthy weight adults. The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes is also increasing at an alarming rate, and nearly 80% of those with this disease are overweight (1). Extra stores of fat around the abdominal area cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity and increase the risk for Type 2 Diabetes (3). Obesity has also been linked to several types of cancers, such as breast, prostate, colon, gallbladder, and kidney cancer (1).

Is our dominantly-overweight society doomed to a future of endless medical bills? Will the risk of death continue to loom over us? Not necessarily. Weight is not the only risk factor associated with these chronic diseases. Poor diet and lack of physical activity can also contribute to the risk for chronic diseases.

Studies have shown that a diet focused on fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, reduced saturated fat and total fat, and reduced sodium can significantly reduce blood pressure and the risk for heart disease as well as other chronic diseases (1,4). Physical activity can help decrease weight, improve heart health, and increase insulin sensitivity, thus decreasing the risk for many of the chronic diseases previously mentioned (1). Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are examples of simple ways to decrease your risk of chronic disease and help you feel better!

1. Nelms M, Sucher K, Lacey K, Roth S. Energy Balance and Body Weight. In: Nutrition Therapy & Pathophysiology. 2nd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning; 2011:248-260.

2. Deaths and Mortality. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2011. Found at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm

3. Olofsson K, Cederholm J, Nillson P, et al. Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Overweight and Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: An Observation Study in 13,087 Patients. Diabetologia. 2009; 52:65-73

4. Sacks F, Svetkey L, Vollmer W, et al. Effects on Blood Pressure of Reduced Dietary Sodium and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet. N Engl J Med. 2001; 344(1): 3-10

[Author]

Posts