The Weighty Issue Plaguing Women's Health

Body mass index (BMI) is a common way of assessing a person's ideal weight in relation to height.  A BMI of 18.5 to 25 is in the healthy range, while a BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight.  A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese, and that is where the greatest danger for health issues arises, according to family physician Linda Ewert, MD, PhD.

People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and heart disease.  "Obesity also increases risks for heart disease and breast and colon cancers," Dr. Ewert says.  "It's also more likely for overweight women to experience arthritis, or to need hip or knee replacements before their time."

Besides a higher BMI, a waist circumference of 35 inches or more can also be a danger signal.  "One of the problems we're seeing a lot of lately is metabolic syndrome, which is very common in women with excess weight in the abdominal area," Dr. Ewert says.  "It can lead to insulin resistance and increased risk for elevated cholesterol, stroke and heart disease.

Consistently maintaining a healthy weight requires time and commitment.  "It's true that genetics do play a part in our body shape and metabolism, but we all have some control over our weight through proper nutrition and exercise.  Also, many perimenopausal and menopausal women find that they gain weight around their middles, and that it gets harder to lose weight.  It's more manageable challenge to face if you've continually worked to maintain a healthy weight over the years.

Dr. Ewert recommends that her patients consistently schedule time for exercise and carefully monitor their food intake.  "For patients trying to achieve a healthy weight, we generally suggest decreasing carbohydrates and processed foods and increasing fresh vegetables and lean meats," Dr. Ewert says.  Minimizing stress is also an important part of losing weight and keeping it off.  "High stress levels keep your body in a 'fight or flight' stage, which makes it harder to lose weight."

Linda Ewert, MD, PhD

12545 New Brittany Blvd., #26

Fort Myers, FL  33907

239-274-2071