A large percentage of American adults experience challenges with attaining and maintaining their optimal weight. When someone is overweight or obese, this can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease. It’s not unusual for some individuals to experience chronic pain, particularly lower back and knee pain, when they are carrying excess weight. Furthermore, this extra weight can also impact an individual’s overall activity level and quality of life.
The Difference Between Being Overweight and Obese
Physicians tend to use two methods to determine whether or not someone is overweight or obese. In addition to a standard height/weight chart, they may also use the body mass index (BMI). If someone is overweight, it means that their weight is ten percent to 20% higher than what is considered to be “normal” for their height. An overweight person would have a BMI somewhere between 25 to 30.
When an individual is considered to be obese, their weight tends to be a minimum of 20% more than what is considered normal for their height. When using the BMI as a measurement of obesity, it would exceed 30. According to recent figures, over one out of three adults live with this condition.
The Benefits of Doctor-Supervised Weight Loss Programs
Currently, 54% of adults are attempting to lose weight. This process can, however, be quite challenging without a support system, such as a doctor-supervised weight loss program. A lack of self-discipline has been reported to be the reason why 50% of Americans have been unsuccessful with their weight-loss goals. Physicians report that when someone loses just five percent to ten percent of their excess weight, this will assist them with reducing the risk of developing heart disease. It can also reduce the risks of developing other health conditions.
In general, experts state that adults should participate in 30 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. Recent figures indicate that just one out of every three adults engage in this level of activity over the course of a week. When someone is under the care of a physician to lose weight, then his or her physician will be able to assist them with creating a reasonable exercise plan.
Physicians may also prescribe physical therapy and other protocols, such as back pain treatment options. Since many individuals become less active when they experience chronic pain, this can contribute to weight gain as well as the inability to lose weight. Furthermore, when individuals experience chronic pain, it has an adverse effect on their thoughts and emotions. A recent survey showed that nearly 59% of the participants indicated that chronic pain influenced their overall enjoyment of life.
Learn More About Pain Management and Weight Loss Programs
If you are experiencing chronic knee or back pain, for example, it’s important to consult with a medical professional. There are a variety of pain management services and chronic pain treatments that can make a difference in how you feel. Physical therapy, or physical rehabilitation, is just one of the available knee and back pain treatment options. Once you begin working with a physical therapist, they will usually recommend additional exercises for you to do at home.
When your chronic pain is exacerbated by excess weight, losing this weight can potentially make a significant difference. One of the reasons for this is due to less stress being placed on your body. In conjunction with your knee and back pain treatment options, a physician-supervised weight loss program can assist you with attaining your goals for optimum health. Furthermore, when you follow the program as directed, you will have an opportunity to improve your state-of-mind, activity level, and overall enjoyment of life.