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Pebbles lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Pebbles lost 54 pounds.  Her weight loss and fitness journey was featured on the Dr. Oz Show (Dec 2012).  Now, she teaches others about mental as well as physical fitness.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, I’m Pebbles Armwood.  I am just a regular woman who at times gets busy, overwhelmed, and engulfed in everyday life. Around this time last year, I weighted 234 pounds and my doctor told me I was borderline diabetic. I knew at that very moment that I needed a change in my life. It’s one thing to be born with a health condition, because you’re not in control of that. However, to allow myself to become sick from something that I have control over is different. At any cost, if I can avoid, stop, and prevent any type of disease that’s what I will do. I knew that exercising was a must, so I had fun doing different fitness routines. I used dancing, walking, weight training, intervals, group workouts, etc. The key is that I had fun with my mental, emotional, and physical fitness. It took me 10 months to lose over 54 pounds.  Today, I am 180 pounds and still working on it. My message is simple, “It’s about mental fitness.. the physical part will follow.” I believe perception is reality which can make things hard, impossible, and unachievable for ourselves. Once I stopped playing the victim role, the sky was limitless. I soon realized that losing weight was a lifestyle change and not a fad. It’s all about small easy steps that will create big change. I had no idea losing weight would turn into purpose. I was a guest on The “Dr. Oz” Show after sharing my story. I now help others reach their goals thorough my blog, radio interviews, and one on one sessions. I also inform people about juicing for health. I now have a business called Pebbles Armwood Presents Mental Fitness. I do speaking events sharing my 3 Easy Steps To Mental Fitness.

“I love to dance, so I would go to the gym just do a lot of cardio because there was a lot of fat I needed to burn,” Armwood said. “I did cardio, I did elliptical, I did intervals, I did weight lifting. I love lifting weights. I could probably bench-press more than a lot of men. I would dance at home. I would go running, I would go jogging. I would do my own little made-up boot camp. Armwood also made changes to her diet, working in more parsley and lemongrass green tea into her diet, and into smoothies each morning before hitting the gym, both tips she learned from the show.” – Patch.com

Pebbles weight loss story

Kim lost 190 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Kim lost 190 pounds. She sent us the details of her weight loss plan, tips on eating right and her meal plans.  She shared with us in great detail.  Here is what she had to say:

My name is Kim Archie.  I’m 43 years old, and I currently reside in Sumter, SC. I was overweight for the last past 7 years. My weight started effecting my health in 2009. I began to feel really tired and in a lot of pain. I went to see my family physician and he did a blood work up along with a lot of other tests. One test in particular was a Sed Rate (Erthrocyte Sedimentation Rate).  This is a test that determines inflammation in the body. My Sed Rate was extremely high and my physician referred me to a Rheumatoid doctor. It wasn’t Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in both knees. He prescribed me to take over counter supplements like Glucosamine, fish oil pills for my heart, and Aleve for arthritis. Since I was overweight, the arthritis was eating up cartilage around the bones in my knees. In other words, I needed to get the weight off so I could keep the cartilage around my bones. By 2011-2012 the arthritis had gotten worse. I developed shortness of breath really bad, I couldn’t stand or walk far due to the pain. My good cholesterol level was going bad which was leading up to all kinds of problems. The pain was so intense I couldn’t sleep at night if I would turn over it felt as if I was in a car wreck. I wanted to do gastric bypass my physician was like “absolutely not”. In May 2012, I was tired of being tired. June 11, 2012, I went to GOD in prayer and ask him to guide me along the way with my journey to lose weight.

My starting weight was 378 pounds and I needed to change my life. There was no turning back.  I was on a mission. The first week wasn’t even as hard as I thought it was going to be. The second week, I wanted to incorporate walking. My neighborhood is as large as a track and I made the initiative to try to start walking. It was so hard, but I made my first mile and came in rested and went back out and did it again. I walked one mile in morning and one mile in afternoon. I built my walking up as my body could tolerate it.  Now, I do 5 miles in morning and 5 in afternoon. By November 2012, I had lost a 100 pounds.  Then, I incorporated the gym. I planned my own menu’s and I stuck with it. I dodged a bullet. I’m not diabetic and I don’t have any health issues. My body is free from pain and inflammation because I’ve overcome with my weight lost and continuing to eat right. I have lost a total of 190 pounds. I’m currently working on 10 more pounds and I will be maintaining my weight loss instead of dieting. I made a guide so many people were in boxing me for my guide and help (below). There’s no turning back I’m moving forward to life coaching others with weight issues.

Kim weight loss before and after What I’ve had success with (Let add no surgery, no diet pills here’s my plan) – Make sure to get your BMI before you start and how many calories you need to intake****THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT****

• Remember to start with Prayer
• Commit to starting this journey
• Believe in yourself
• Write in a journal your start weight, your goal weight, your process, and what you plan to do once you have reached your goal.
• Everyday won’t be a good day but hang in and find that inner strength to continue.
• As you make progress you will want to do more.
• Find the right group of foods that work for you
• Remember there’s NO MAGIC PILL!!!!

*******GOING COLD TURKEY*******
Here are the steps that made me successful with my
Weight loss….
1. I cut off all sugar (SWEETS), breads, pastas, fried foods
2. Stopped eating red meats
3. Eating 5 portioned meals a day
4. Drinking only water over 80 ounces a day
5. Nothing to eat after 6:30-7:00pm at the latest
6. Drinking a glass of water before meals stops you from over-eating.
7. 2 to 4 cups of leafy veggies a day
8. LET THE SODAS GO BYE-BYE
9. The meats I’m eating are Fish (Tilapia), chicken (skinless breast), tuna, and salmon.

BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY

Next, I’m listing what I ate and have had great results….
Veggies
1. Spinach
2. Green beans
3. Green leaf or Romaine lettuce
4. Broccoli
5. Brussels sprout
6. Collard greens
7. Tomatoes
8. Carrots
9. Purple onions
10. Cucumbers
11. Green bell pepper and colored bell peppers
12. Celery

Fruits
1. Watermelon
2. Blueberries
3. Strawberries
4. White grapes
5. Green apples
6. Pears
7. Bananas

Nuts
1. Almonds
2. Pistachios

Yogurts
1. Yoplait light my two favorite flavors are ( blueberry patch and red velvet cake)
2. McDonalds yogurt parfaits

Protein Shakes
Dole makes a protein shake in three different flavors.  My favorite is mixed berry you can use any juice but I only use MINUTE MADE (50% less the sugar)  Pour it up to the mark, place top back on and shake for 30 seconds and drink.

Other Tips:
Planters has a new nutritional peanut energy mix in three different flavors. I place it on apples, bananas and celery it’s really filling.

I add Oscar Myers bacon bits to my salad, it’s the best for dieting; I use Wishbone ranch dressing low fat dressings make me sick. I only use a little to flavor salad. I also use a little cheese
SAMPLE MENU OF MY DAY

BREAKFAST at 8:30am or 9:00am
• Cup of sliced watermelon
• Banana with peanut butter recommended 2tbsps
• 1 cup of Yoplait yogurt
• 20 oz’s of water or more
• I change the yogurt out to protein shake too
• Find what works best for you……

MID-MORNING SNACK at 11:00am
• ¼ cup of pistachios or almonds
• ½ of a apple or ½ cup of grapes
• Or 1 Kellogg’s red berry bar
• 20 oz’s of water or more

LUNCH at 1:00pm or 1:30pm
• 1 can of green beans washed and heated
• With sautéed tilapia or boneless chicken breast on side
• Or a bowel of vegetable soup…
• 20 oz’s of water or more

AFTERNOON SNACK at 3:00pm or 3:30pm
• ½ cup of blueberries and ½ cup of strawberries
• Or celery sticks(4-5) and ½ cup of baby carrots
• 20 oz’s of water or more

LAST MEAL OF THE DAY
• Salad with green leaf of romaine lettuce, spinach, green bell peppers, purple onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and 2 boiled eggs, strawberries, white grapes, OF COURSE I MAKE A BIG CONTAINER FULL.
• Also I top with less than ¼ of cheese and a few of Oscar Myers bacon bits the best for a diet.
• I use wishbone regular ranch just enough to flavor my salad low fat dressings make me throw up its called portion control….
• I normally sauté me two small pieces of tilapia or boneless chicken breast colorful bell peppers.
• OR I could make me a spinach or multi-grain flat wrap with green leaf lettuce of romaine, spinach, purple onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, little sprinkle of cheese, and small sprinkle of bacon bits, sautéed chicken breast(diced up), and little ranch dressing and roll it up it’s really good
• Or a protein shake
• 20 oz’s of water or more
****I used virgin olive oil to marinate my fish and chicken and Pam olive oil spray to place in my skillet to sauté tilapia (fish) or boneless chicken breast and bell peppers

LADIES YOU GOTTA EXERCISE DON’T OVER DO WHAT YOUR BODY CAN TOLERATE…….I STARTED WALKING ONLY 2 MILES A DAY ONE IN MORNING AND ONE IN AFTERNOON AS MY BODY COULD TOLERATE MORE I PICKED UP THE PACE. I CAN DO 5 OR MORE IN MORNING AND AFTERNOON. I INCORPORATED THE GYM AFTER LOSING OVER A 100 POUNDS. I’M STILL LOSING WILL START TONING IN MAY 2013……JUST SOME TIPS TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE YOU ALL I STARTED AT 378 POUNDS SO YOU ALL CAN DO IT I’M HERE FOR YOU!!!

Latavia lost 150 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Latavia lost 150 pounds.  She went from a size 22 to a size 8/10 with Weight Watchers, seeing a nutritionist and working out 5 days a week or more.  Here is what she shared with us.

5 years ago, right before I graduated from college, Is when I began working out. I started by working out 3 days a week for a hour a day.  Gradually, I worked myself up to exercising 5 or more days a week for an hour a day. I joined Weight Watchers and started tracking everything I ate. Within a month I lost 10 pounds.  By the end of the first year I lost 100 pounds and I went from a size 22 to a size 14. In December 2012, I started seeing a nutritionist who helped me make better choices in terms of my eating habits. Since December, I have lost 50 pounds and currently wear a size 10 or 8. I have so much more energy, I feel healthier and I can shop anywhere I want!

Latavia weight loss story

Tyesha lost 162 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Tyesha who has lost 162 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery.  Her emotional journey is very moving! She was a part of Atlanta Biggest Loser Couple’s Edition with her husband in 2011. Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Tyesha Dean. After years of being overweight due to emotional issues stemming from being molested for over 10 years(ages 5-15), enough had became enough. At 36, I walked into a doctors appointment and was told that my molestation was the reason I could not have children. Even though my heart was broken, my life begin to change. I had to deal with these issues that were trying to overtake me, but after crying and a lot of soul searching and praying, I decided to make a difference and not become a statistic. I would turn my life around and motivate other women in the same situation as me. So the first thing I had to work on is my image, I had to shed the years of hurt and abuse that was masquerading as pounds on my small frame body.

I had a gastric bypass on 12/27/12. The last 7 months have not been easy. I had a lot of complications, but I have lost 162 lbs. My weight the day of surgery was 367 pounds and today I am at 205 pounds. My husband and I were on the Atlanta Biggest Loser Couple’s Edition in 2011. I lost 25 lbs the first couple of weeks, but after that, trying to compete with people that weighed 200lbs less than me began to take its toll, so I was quickly eliminated. Even though I was eliminated, I still kept working on to lose another 50 pounds. using the skills and eating plans I had learned about.

In 2012, my diabetes and high blood pressure were writing a book about my life and the ending couldn’t lead to anything else but a tragedy, I knew I had to do something. So, I decided looking into weight loss surgery. After losing my father at the young age of 56 to diabetes, I didn’t want to follow suit.

Since my surgery, there were a lot of downs, but my life has been blessed with the simple things that made it worth it. Things people take for granted everyday, like painting my toe nails, fitting in normal size chairs, wearing a seatbelt, picking up something off the floor, and my highest moment…being able to cross my legs.

If you need anything else, feel free to contact me..thank you!!!!  For more information on Tyesha, please visit Tyesha Dean.com

Tyesha weight loss surgery

Nikia lost over 115 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Nikia lost over 115 pounds and avoided high blood pressure medication by adopting healthy eating habits and working out daily.   Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, I’m Nikia. As I was doing a before and after picture collage, I decided to share my weight loss experience with you. My motivation started when my doctor told me that I would have to take blood pressure medicine due to high blood pressure. I asked if he could give me one month to make an effort to do something about it. I went back & lost 12 pounds just from changing my diet.  I also drank lots of water & worked out daily with Cardio & light weights. In 3 years, I lost over 100 pounds.  I went from 300+ to 185 pounds. I ate lots of greens, vegetables, fish, salmon, yogurt & fruit. Portion control is a must. Sometimes, I even made protein shakes.  I ate three meals a day with 3 small snacks in between.  I’m very proud of myself. Believe in yourself & you can do anything.

Nikia weight loss before and after

JoAnn lost 126 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: JoAnn lost 126 pounds.  She used My Fitness Pal to count calories and gained a love for running on her journey. Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, my name JoAnn. I am a wife and mother of four. I have had three C-sections, a set of twins, and two gastric bypass surgeries (includes reversal). I have been overweight all of my life my heaviest 398 pounds. In my early twenties I had the Gastric Bypass surgery unfortunately I had to have the surgery reversed, for over a year I was what they called the walking dead my body wasn’t absorbing protein and I almost died. I lost 210 pounds however, after the reversal; I gained most of the weight back. March of 2010, I weighed in at 298 pounds.

I decided to get healthy after the premature deaths of my parents. My mother past away at 55 in 2009 from ALS and my father at 56 in Jan 2010 from high blood pressure and being on dialysis. Losing both parents so soon in life really took its toll on me. Having four kids of my own, I knew that I still needed my parents and there was no way I was going let something like my weight take me out sooner than necessary. Being here for my children and growing old with my husband is what sparked me to change my life.

My Philosophy is TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. I am not perfect and do not claim to be. If I have a bad moment, I do not see myself as a failure, I just know that I will see the consequences of my decision on the scale and I keep going. People do not get that YOU are in control of what goes into your body. Therefore, if you make a conscience choice to eat junk, just know that you are going to have to put in the extra work to get it off with that said, you then have to decide if it is worth it or not, if so then eat it and keep it moving. However, always in moderation. I am a firm believer in counting and watching your calories I have been on My Fitness Pal for over 815 days.

I strength train 3 times a week and do cardio, but my true love is running. I learned to run using the Couch to Run program back in November 2011.  I ran my first race a 10k in March 2012 in 1hr 10 minutes. So far, I have competed in 13 races including a two half marathons and will run in three more before the year is over.

My Motto is NO EXCUSES I truly believe that if you want something bad enough you can do it. I find that people want to know so badly how I did it, when I tell them that I would get up at 4 am and workout  5 times a week run 15 miles over the weekend, they lose interest. Lol!  Everyone wants a QUICK FIX but when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, SORRY but there’s no such thing.  I do not compare myself to others everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you. Changing the way you think is key to losing weight and keeping it off.

I had the infamous Ah Ha moment! For me, I refuse to turn 40 still dealing with my weight.  Sll my life I’ve had to deal with it and I am tired! Life is too short and enough is enough. If you want it, make up your mind and JUST DO IT!

Joann weight loss before and after

Jimella lost 33 pounds

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June 2014 Update: “I was featured last year however I’ve made progress since then. I am down 40 lbs total, which is a 7 pound difference from before.  This is after adding running to my routine and incorporating weights a little bit more. I’ve noticed that I’m losing inches, especially through my midsection. After my story was featured on your blog and holidays rolling around I did gain about 10 lbs back. However, when the new year came in I got back on track. I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained because there’s definitely ups and downs with this weight loss journey. I always say it’s a journey with no destination because this is for life, even after the goal weight is reached. You still have to continue maintaining the lifestyle change. I love the BWLW page for constantly motivating and inspiring. My journey continues!” – Jimella @ear_candy_couture

Jimella before and after

Original Post – July 2013  – Let’s show some BWLW love to Jimella!  She lost 33 pounds and fought off high blood pressure with Weight Watchers and working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

I began my weight loss transformation Feb. 20, 2013 although I’ve been overweight since June 18, 1980 (the day I was born). Last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was 185/110. I would have slight headaches periodically I’m sure due to increased pressure and my love of salty foods. I refused to get on any type of medication. I just couldn’t see myself taking medication everyday at (then) 32 years old. I felt too young to be doing all that especially when I knew this could be fixed with weight loss. Of course this runs in my family and I’ve seen it take such a great toll on close family from strokes to kidney failure and I just can’t find myself 20+ years down the road in that same cycle.

I began by changing my eating habits drastically. I started eating more vegetables and/or juicing, whereas before I would go days if not weeks at a time without eating any type of vegetation. I threw out ALL junk food and salty foods, which was hard at first because my weakness is juice and chips (which I still struggle with). Eventually I joined Weight Watchers which I love because it teaches you about portion control and how to make healthier eating choices. If I couldn’t calculate the points on it then I just wouldn’t eat it. I became active by working out 4-5 times/week in the gym. I started making my workouts more fun by doing outdoor activities like going bike riding on the beach and hiking and now I’m down 33lbs but the journey continues. My goal is to be in a comfortable size 14 jeans (currently size 18, previously size 22). I’m still in awe when I look at my pics. I love it! Once I start to see my collar bones pertrude a little more then I’ll really know I’m making extreme progress, LOL.

When I found pages such as this one and all the fitness and eat clean pages on Instagram, I became that much more motivated and encouraged. I love seeing all of the success stories from everyone but primarily from other black women because we have such a bad stigma on us when it comes to health and fitness (or should I say the lack thereof). It feels so good to see us conquering that stereotype and I’m even more proud of the discipline, strength, and dedication that God has blessed me with to join that fight.

Jimella weight loss before and after

Kori lost 83 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Delta Soror Kori lost 83 pounds by reducing her calories, eating healthier and being consistent with exercise.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

My name is Kori and I’m 31 years old. I have been overweight all my life coming from a family of full figured women.  I never had a problem with self esteem because I always had friends, was fairly popular in school and was rarely picked on. I never thought my weight was an issue. I knew I should eat right and exercise and I would go up and down in weight but no one thing ever stuck. It wasn’t until December of 2011 when I went to the doctor and I saw my weight had skyrocketed to 291 pounds that I began to get scared. My doctor told me I was “healthy” but if I keep gaining weight at this pace it would be difficult or impossible to have children in the future!  Being 31 and single I didn’t even know at the time if I wanted kids but hearing the actual words coming out of my doctor’s mouth gave me motivation to start a new healthier lifestyle. No one would tell me that weight would be the reason I can’t have kids!

On that day, I started my journey and never looked back. I began with cutting everything out of diet and I was very strict. No white stuff (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes or sugar). Only water and green tea to drink and no processed foods. No fast foods and absolutely no fried foods. I quickly lost 30 within 2 months. I then began a heavy exercise routine of working out 5-6 days a week. Cardio on either the treadmill and or elliptical for 45 min to an hour and then on to weights for 30. I was burning at least 900 cals with each workout and consuming no more than 1300 cals a day. With this routine I was able to drop 70 lbs by October of 2012.

Once I got a routine down, I slowly started to incorporate things back into my diet.  If I was going make this a lifestyle change I realized that I can deprive myself of certain things that I once loved.  Now, if I have a craving for candy or cake I will have a piece in moderation and get right back on track. I also try different exercises now including Latin dance, kickboxing and I love spinning. I still maintain exercising 4-5 times a week. I am trying to limit my meat intake but still stick to fish and i have incorporated protein shakes in my diet. With the changes, I’ve made I’ve shed 83 lbs as of today. I still have 20 more to go and it’s slow but slow and steady wind the race!!   I hope this story can inspire someone!

Kori weight loss before and after

How Peer Pressure Can Make You Fat: Dealing with Friends with Unhealthy Habits

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There’s no denying the power of peer pressure, especially among teens. Even adults are not immune. Peer pressure is everywhere – work, school, church and at home. You may think that you’re above the influence of others, but few people are completely. If you’re doubtful, just think about the last time someone commented negatively on your haircut, your man or the clothes you were wearing. Even about your weight. How did you handle it? If you stuck the clothes in the back of your closet, felt bad about your hair or felt a blow to your self esteem, you may have been influenced by peer pressure.

friendsPeer pressure works in much the same manner among all age groups regardless of the thoughts or actions being influenced. As humans, we all have an intense need to fit in. When it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, we are apt to go along with what those around us choose to do. If our family and friends lead an unhealthy lifestyle, it’s very easy to follow suit.

I hear from women all the time who are dealing with negative comments from family members, boyfriends, friends, co-workers, etc.  They want to stay on the path of health and wellness, but they are dealing with the assumptions of others and being told things like:

  • You are losing too much weight.
  • Don’t lose your curves.
  • Why do you want to be thin.
  • Oh…I forgot…You don’t eat.
  • Why are you eating that?  Enjoy Yourself.

While it’s natural for people who love you to want the best for you, there is a difference between looking out for your interests and wanting to control you or having a problem with you losing the weight.  Sometimes you may feel as if your loved ones would prefer that you stayed overweight and if you bow to the pressure you just might.

Your Weight and Negative Peer Pressure

If your family and friends are overweight, sedentary and consume junk food, chances are, they will have something to say about you being on the path to health and wellness. It’s not always about jealousy, and you have to know that your actions may make them feel like they need to change.  That can be uncomfortable.  However, your friends and family can still affect your efforts negatively by:

  • Temptation – When you’re alone, it’s easier to choose items from the healthy menu. Put a couple of friends in the mix and things get tricky. Whether you’re at a restaurant or fixing a meal for your family, the food eaten by those around you often looks better, more satisfying than your own healthy choices. It’s very tempting to forgo the salad for a couple slices of pizza in these situations.
  • Lack of Motivation – Ever notice how active people hang out together and other groups of friends sit and play video games all day? If you’re around people who don’t move, chances are you won’t.
  • Changing Your Views – Once you’re around people who think it’s OK to live an unhealthy lifestyle, you might begin to think the same way. You might start thinking thinks such as “I’m still smaller than so and so” or “I’m a little heavy not gaining weight, so I’m fine.” These thoughts can devastate any movement toward a healthy lifestyle.  Don’t compare yourself to others or let them compare you.  You have to define your goals based on your health and lifestyle needs.

Positive Peer Pressure

Just as negative peer pressure can affect the way you eat and how much exercise you get, the opposite is also true. Surround yourself with active people and people who eat healthy and you will start to make healthy choices simply from their positive influence.  If your friends and loved ones aren’t living a healthy lifestyle, be encouraging and do what you can to help them.

The key is to increase positive peer pressure and to decrease negative peer pressure. While you can remove a great deal of negative influence from your life, you might not be able to stop associating with all of the people who influence you negatively, like family or a spouse. Therefore, it’s important to have a clear plan of action when encountering situations involving negative peer pressure.  The most important thing you can do is be very clear on WHY you are losing the weight in terms of what your motivation is.   That why is the truth you have to hold on to.

How Is Your Weight and Heart Disease Connected?

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For the past several years, the news media, health publications and the CDC have heavily publicized the topic of weight in this country and the fact that Americans are getting heavier. In fact, more than 60-percent of people are considered overweight or obese. What’s the difference? An adult with a BMI (body mass index) of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Anything over that is considered obese.  BMI is of course disputed in terms of it being a good model for every one, regardless of race, bone density, etc…but it is on of measures that the medical field uses.

Heart disease weightUntil recently, many people – even medical professionals – didn’t consider weight alone as a risk factor for heart disease. It was the other things like high-blood pressure, high-cholesterol and diabetes that caused heart disease the commonly agreed on thought. Therefore, it was thought that weight and heart disease were merely linked indirectly. However, recent studies have now shown that being overweight can lead to heart disease even in the absence of other risk factors.

Did you know…

“African-American women are 1.6 times more likely than non-Hispanic whites to have high blood pressure, putting them ahead of the pack when it comes to heart disease risk.”- Source

Heart Disease: Prevalence and Risk Factors

As the number one cause of death in the United States, heart disease accounts for approximately 30-percent of all deaths annually. In addition to excess weight, there are numerous other risk factors for heart disease. When combined with obesity, these risk factors become even more worrisome. Risk factors include;

  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Poor Diet
  • Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Alcohol Consumption
  • Heredity

How Excess Weight Influences Heart Disease

As mentioned before, excess weight can cause certain risk factors that increase the risk of heart disease. However, obesity can cause heart disease in some people even in the absence of other risk factors. The simple act of carrying around extra weight day in and day out can burden your heart, weakening its ability to pump blood efficiently. In many cases, this can lead to congestive heart failure. Additionally, fat cells themselves can release chemicals and inflammatory substances that can lead to heart disease. Excess weight also compromises circulation and can cause blood clots.

Weight Distribution and Heart Disease

All fat is not created equal. Depending on where your body stores fat, your risk for heart disease might be lower or higher than someone with a different body shape. Those who carry weight around the middle – apple body shape – are at higher risk for heart disease than those who carry excess weight in their hips and lower body. For men, a waist larger than 40 inches in diameter is considered a risk factor for heart disease. In women, anything over a 35-inch waist is considered a risk factor.

The link between weight and heart disease is now clearly defined in medical research. Even if you’re perfectly healthy otherwise, you could still be at risk for heart disease so this is not just an issue for overweight people. Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease by reducing your weight by even 10-percent. If you’re overweight, you should also have regular screenings with your doctor for other risk factors such as cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure.  It’s important to seek medical advise on health disease if you have any of the risk factors.  Be proactive.