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Obesity

For most people, weight control is a difficult task that requires continual attention over a lifetime. Every weight control program should include exercise. If you consume 3,500 calories less than you burn, you will lose a pound. Conversely, if you consume 3,500 calories more than you burn, you will gain a pound. Exercise is even more critical to weight-maintenance (the hardest part) than it is to weight reduction.

Obesity adds stress to the heart, bones, and muscles. It also increases the risk for health problems such as varicose veins, breast cancer, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. Contributing factors to obesity include heredity, overeating, eating too much of the wrong foods, and inactivity. Try to provide support and encouragement to people who have a weight problem. Avoid criticizing and making jokes, which can prove devastating for an overweight person (especially a young person). (See eating disorders - support group.)