Obesity , Addiction , and BMI

"If we wait for the moment when everything is ready, we shall never begin."– Ivan Turgenev

Okay, Mississippi what are you waiting for? In the Wall Street Journal on July 8, 2011, a health report indicated that the state of Mississippi, for the seventh straight year, is the country’s fattest state. Which state do you think has the leanest people? If you said Colorado, you are right.

The risk of becoming obese if you are 30 years of age today is 39% for women and 48% for men. It is believed that obesity reduces life by an average of 4-9 months. Obesity related illnesses have been responsible for a tenfold increase in private health insurance spending since 1987.

The classification of obesity is made by the body mass index (BMI). If you’re BMI is in the 18.5-24.9 range you are considered normal weight; if you’re BMI is in 25.0-29.9 range = overweight; if the BMI is in 30.0-39.9 range = obesity; and if the BMI is > or =l to 40 that translates to extreme obesity. To compute BMI = weight (pounds)/height (inches) squared x703. Well, my BMI is 21.03, what is yours? Does the above quote fit? If you have to start, why not now.

We know that it is possible to be addicted to food. To Illustrate:  1.sight and smell of food raises dopamine; obese individuals have fewer dopamine receptors which mean that obese people need to eat more to attain the same level of dopamine stimulation. 2. The mere presence of food triggers the pleasure and motivation centers of the brain; site, smells, sounds of food trigger dopamine release; food addictions are fueled by exposure to food stimuli by advertising, candy machines, food channels, food displays, bakeries, etc. 3. Some areas of the brain in food and drug addiction are related; high dopamine involved with satiation of hunger and cravings; dopamine production stimulated by sight and smell of food; withdrawal symptoms occur when sugar removed from a diet; food like drugs can be addictive .4. Sugar and fat produce psychological comfort; fat, sugar salty foods most addictive, (for women= sugar, for men= salt/fat); sugar may generate production of endogenous opioid; food addictions can be very strong; some people can quit2-3 drinks/day but not ice cream.

Stay tuned for what we can do about this major issue that’s confronting ourselves as well as our nation. The above information was the result of a continuing education class I attended.

Incidentally, I left early to complete my 10 mile training run before it got too hot. I like my ice cream and don’t have to give it up just yet.