Hawaii is one of the healthiest states in the nation. But we also have one of the highest rates of diabetes. That condition can be directly related to being overweight or obese. Tonight on our segment "In Sickness and in Health," Kirk Matthews talks with an expert about the problem of being overweight.
Next to the weather, it's probably one of the most talked about subjects in our daily lives - our weight. Being overweight can be a serious health issue.
"It may take 10, 15 years before the devastating consequences happen. But things like diabetes, type II diabetes which many times is stimulated by excess weight. And cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Castle Medical Center Dr. Patricia Avila.
Not to mention sleep apnea, osteoporosis and a host of other conditions. There is a difference between being overweight and obese. Some patients may only need to lose a few pounds.
"I've had many patients who say to me, Dr. Avila, what's really neat is that now that I've lost just five to ten pounds I can move better, I feel better and I didn't know what it was like before. I was clueless."
There are any number of tools available to your doctor to determine whether or not you are overweight and a candidate for one of the health maladies mentioned before. Every body is different - and every body will require a particular kind of program.
"And there are various tools that the physician uses to determine if you're overweight. There's body mass index charts. There's the flexible tape measure that can be used to measure your waist and hip ratio for example."
Over the next weeks and months, we will be talking with the experts at Castle Medical Center about the answers to a number of health problems. But if you or a loved one is overweight - that is a health problem that needs to be addressed now.
"Find what stimulates you to make change in your behavior for this New year. It's not the same for everyone. Find out first if you're overweight. Maybe you're in the obese category. Talk with your primary care physician.”
