A Mirror Can’t Show What Really Matters

Many of us are inspired to lose weight in order to look good. However, there are many more benefits to weight loss that can’t be seen by looking in the mirror.

To help women better understand these benefits and provide tips and tools for successful weight-loss, Griffin Hospital will host “Excess Body Fat Hurts More Than Just Your Looks” on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center at 130 Division Street. Led by the medical experts at Medi-Weightloss Clinics in Shelton, this presentation will explain several underlying medical concerns for women who are overweight and reasons to shed extra pounds for the sake of personal well-being. To register or for more information, call 203.732.1511 or click here.

Obesity in Women

“Excess Body Fat Hurts More Than Just Your Looks” is being held in recognition of the upcoming Women’s Health Week (May 12-18). Obesity rates are rising in adults across the country, but the trends are particularly troubling in women. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) for females surpassed men for the first time in 40 years in the late 1990s and remains consistently higher than men. (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. An individual with a BMI of 25-30 is considered overweight. A person with a BMI over 30 is considered obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35.5 percent of women and 32.2 percent of men who were at least 20 years old were considered obese in 2007 and 2008.

Consequences of Being Overweight

The chances of being diagnosed with several health problems greatly increase when a person is overweight or obese, including:

• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) - As BMI rises, so does the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, causing angina or a heart attack.
• Stroke - Plaque build-up in the arteries can lead to a rupture, causing a blood clot to form. If the clot is close to the brain, it can block the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and cause a stroke.
• High Blood Pressure - The chances of having high blood pressure increase for people who are overweight or obese.
• Type 2 Diabetes - Overweight and obese individuals are at a higher risk for diabetes, which is a leading cause of early death, CHD, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.
• Abnormal Blood Fats - Overweight or obese individuals are at increased risk of having abnormal levels of blood fats, which are a risk factor for CHD.
• Cancer - Being overweight or obese raises the risk for colon, breast, endometrial and gallbladder cancers.
• Osteoarthritis - Extra weight exacerbates osteoarthritis, a common joint problem of the knees, hips, and lower back. This condition occurs if the tissue that protects the joints wears away. Added body weight puts more pressure and wear on joints, causing pain.
• Sleep Apnea - Having more fat stored around the neck can narrow the airway, making it hard to breathe especially while sleeping. This can lead to serious health problems related to poor sleep and can even cause death.
• Reproductive Problems - Obesity can cause menstrual issues and infertility in women.
• Gallstones - Gallstones are hard pieces of stone-like material that form in the gallbladder and can cause stomach or back pain.

Learn more about the health concerns that may be lurking inside the body due to being overweight at “Excess Body Fat Hurts More Than Just Your Looks” on Tuesday, April 30. You’ll hear testimonials from women all over the U.S. who have shed their extra pounds and learned more about their overall health than they ever expected. Attendees will receive a gift certificate for a free consultation and BMI analysis or a free Diabetic Screening. To register or for more information, call 203.732.1511 or click here. You can find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks and events at Griffin Hospital at griffinhealth.org/ProgramsEvents.

About Tuesday Talks

“Excess Body Fat Hurts More Than Just Your Looks” is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.