Obesity is now classified as a disease by the American Medical Association.

Excerpt from the US News Article...

"Blacks have the highest age-adjusted rates of obesity -- 49.5 percent -- followed by Mexican Americans (40.4 percent), all Hispanics (39 percent) and whites (34 percent).

Among children and teens, the obesity prevalence since 1980 has almost tripled. There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity rates among children. Hispanic boys are significantly more likely to be obese than white boys, and black girls are significantly more likely to be obese than white girls, the CDC said."

The issue with these statistics is in the way that obesity is measured. Currently, obesity is measured using body mass index (BMI) which is a measurement of a persons height and weight. This does not take into account a person who is an athlete/fit. For example, a 6 foot tall male should weigh between 175 and 185lbs to be considered ideal weight. If you are over 185 you are considered overweight. If you are 6 feet tall and weigh 230lbs you are considered obese.

"I have never liked the idea of characterizing obesity as a disease, because disease occurs when the body is malfunctioning," said Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center. "Turning surplus calories into a fat reserve is not malfunction, it is normal physiology."

Katz said obesity is largely a societal problem caused by too much food and too little physical activity. While obesity certainly needs to be treated, the aspects of culture that have led to the obesity epidemic need to be changed, he said.

Tips for preventing obesity:
 

1- portion size - protein should be about the size of the palm of your hand with the same thickness, Carbs - should be about the size of your closed fist and your vegetables - yes, I said vegetable, should be about the size of your closed fist as well. These are portion sizes per meal.

Drinks should be limited to water. Diet drinks are not an option.

Additionally, you should exercise 2-4 times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This is a good start in fighting obesity.

Below I have attached a copy of the BMI chart for your review.

http://www.bmicharts.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bmi-chart-men.jpg

Getting adjusted on regular basis, working out 3-4 times per week, eating high quality foods, maintaining the proper portion size per meal and drinking half your body weight in ounces per day equals great health.

Stay healthy....

Dr. Carrion.