The most recent statistics are that 70 percent of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese.  So now it may seem almost normal to be overweight.  The cause of the obesity epidemic is debated, is it because we are less active, that we eat more, sleep less, or that our food is heavily processed?  Or is our liver effected by the increased toxicity of our food from pesticides, or the toxic environment in general? Is the culprit the bad bacteria in our gut, inflammation, or is it the fault of our hormones, or is it in our genes? Most likely the it is a combination of all of the above, including the harsh fact that as we age we just don't tolerate carbohydrates well.

But here is the reality; being overweight or obese puts you in a higher risk for many cancers, heart disease, stroke,  diabetes, and Alzheimers to name a few.  Being overweight may shorten your life anywhere from one year to 8 years, but more importantly, it is likely it could seriously decrease your "healthspan".

Do a reality check on your numbers-

Fasting Blood Sugar-The ideal fasting blood sugar is 81 mg/dl.  Over 30 percent of the US population has blood sugar that is too high.  A  fasting blood sugar of 85 mg/dl puts you at risk of diabetes in five years.  Over 100 mg/dl you are considered prediabetic and at 126 mg/dl you are a type 2 diabetic. And if over 140 mg/dl you are killing off beta cells in your pancreas. What is your number?

Blood Pressure- Just this year the American Heart Association changed their recommendation to say that instead of treating blood pressure at 140/90, it should be treated at 130/80. When was the last time your blood pressure was checked?

Waist Measurement- If you are a man and your waist is over 40 inches, you have a 75 percent increased risk of all cause mortality in the coming year. For women the number of 34. What is your waist measurement? 

There are 25 million cases of diabetes in the United States today and the number is growing.  While being overweight is not the only cause of becoming insulin resistant and developing diabetes, it is definitely a factor.

Do something for yourself, and if not for you then do it for your children and/or grandchildren.  Get your numbers in order - Make 2018 a healthier year.