Obesity

Calories are energy units. We can tell how much energy a food provides to our body from the number of calories that food has. But our body can only use so much energy every day. Our body stores extra energy in special “fat cells”. Most of these are found under the skin. We see them every day around waists, hips, under chins, etc.

In order to stay at the weight you are, you have to balance your “energy in” with your “energy out”. That is, you have to eat just as many calories as your body needs in order to do all the work it must do every day.

Eating large portions of food.

Big Sandwich

Not enough exercise

Soccer Ball

Eating fried foods

Fried Chicken

Eating junk foods

French Fries

Eating in front of the TV

Constant Snacking

Using food as a reward

  

Eating Out

Health Risks of Obesity

People that are obese can face serious health problems:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Bone and joint problems
  • Liver and gall bladder disease
  • Restless or poor sleep
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke

Overcoming Obesity

There are some simple steps to take to be happy and healthy:

  • Eat healthy meals that taste good
  • Eat at the dinner table as a family
  • Eat healthy snacks
  • Enjoy treats and sweets in moderation
  • Reduce the amount of time spent watching TV, playing video games, or using the computer
  • Be mindful of portion size
  • Spend more time playing outdoors and exercising
  • Eat more home cooked meals
  • Eat breakfast
  • Eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables

Make eating well and exercising a fun part of your family's daily life.