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Managing growing issue of obesity not easy task

Bobbi Pinoy-Torres

We have all heard the rapidly changing messages. Don’t wear a mask. Wear a mask. Social distance. Stay sex feet apart. Stay 12 feet apart. Stay home, stay safe. Go outside.

Despite the confusion, one aspect of the pandemic that has not changed is the pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of severe illness and poor outcomes from COVID-19.

Obesity is a medical condition that can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. All conditions that lead to high risk of severe illness and poor outcomes.

The obesity epidemic is a growing and concerning health problem. From 1999 to 2018 the adult obesity rate increased from 30.5% to 42.4%. Severe obesity also increased from 4.7% to 9.2% during the same time period. This significant linear trend will continue if we do not confront and address obesity head-on. Now, in the midst of COVID-19 the importance is even greater.

While politicians debate a national mask mandate, the appropriate social distance, and whether to isolate or not; the virus is spreading. Notwithstanding known mitigation measures and increase testing, the number of positive cases is increasing at alarming rates. It seems controlling the virus, at least so far, is not attainable. So, what are we to do?

One solution, although not short-term, would be to minimize the risk of severe illness to COVID-19. While some conditions like older age are not modifiable, type 2 diabetes and obesity are. Losing weight has a plethora of benefits. Even a modest amount of weight loss can produce an improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. If you are overweight or obese, weight loss can decrease your risk factors for such chronic conditions as heart disease, kidney disease, metabolic disorders, and even some types of cancer. Minimizing your risk of chronic conditions can minimize your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

There are a variety of interventions designed to encourage and manage weight loss. Such measures include lifestyle and behavioral modifications, pharmaceuticals, and even surgical procedures. While successful weight loss at the individual level is encouraging, our nation’s obesity rate as a whole continues to rise.

The rise in obesity rates along with its associated adverse health risks sparked several cities and states to impose legislative action. Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia all have excise taxes on sugary drinks. Boulder, Philadelphia, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco have similar statutes.

From 2001 through 2010 there were almost 4,000 legislative actions taken in all 50 states aimed at fighting obesity. These legislative measures range from increasing the number of bike paths, promoting healthy food choices and discouraging unhealthy choices, requiring calorie counts on some restaurant menus, implementing tax credits to producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, and mandating insurance coverage for weight management.

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of most legislative actions has not materialized. The Rand Corporation showed no association between state laws aimed at fighting obesity and the state’s obesity prevalence. There is no doubt, the role of government in the battle against obesity is unquestionable. People need affordable healthy foods, they need the time and place to be physically active, and they need access to quality health care that includes weight management. However, to be successful, weight loss must include personal accountability.

For some, weight loss can be as simple as calories in calories out. For others, it is much more complicated. For the latter, weight loss is a long and difficult process that may require help from a healthcare professional. This should not dissuade you, there are a lot of new treatment options available.

Losing weight requires a change in culture, lifestyle, and mindset. Most people need a lot of extra support and encouragement. Your healthcare provider will tailor an individual plan that is right for you. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress to safely and effectively achieve your goals.

COVID-19 has changed the world. We all must stay safe, but do not stay home, go outside and be active. See your healthcare professional. If recommended, lose the extra weight. And remember when contemplating your weight, you have a lot to lose but so much more to gain.

Editor’s note: Bobbi Pinoy-Torres, MBA, MSN, RN, NP-C, AOCNP. A Marquette resident, she is a doctor of Nursing Practice Student at Duke University School of Nursing, an MBA graduate from the University of Scranton, Kania School of Management, a Nurse Practitioner – Certified, and an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner.

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