Obesity

• Fact: Obesity has hit epidemic proportions in the United States, with about 72 million people having the health condition.
• Proportion of risk that’s in your genes: 67 percent.
• What you can do: Whether you're at a healthy weight or are overweight and at risk of becoming obese, you can make lifestyle changes to prevent obesity and the health problems that go along with it. If you are obese, losing just 10 percent of your body weight can significantly lower your risk of developing complications such as diabetes. Sign up for our gene test to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to the health condition.
• Did you know? If you gain just one pound a year from the age of 18 on, you will be 40 pounds overweight by the time you turn 60. Eating just one extra 100-calorie snack a day can cause your weight to increase 20 pounds in 2 years, 100 pounds in 10 years.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern. It is a slow and silent killer. As your body gradually gains weight, you may develop high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease and stroke. Obesity even increases your risk of certain cancers.

Fully one-third of adults in the United States are now considered clinically obese, and doctors fear the percentage will grow even higher as our society becomes increasingly sedentary and continues to overeat.

Scientists have discovered certain genetic risk markers that can dramatically increase your risk of obesity. Behavioral factors are interacting with these genetic foundations to make many people obese. Undergoing a genetic test and discovering the extent of your genetic risk could encourage you to make improvements in your lifestyle, effectively helping to reverse your course on the obesity path.

Preventing obesity is safer, easier and more cost-effective than treating it. Doctors recommend you turn off the TV, watch your portion sizes and calories, and get moderate exercise most days of the week. Staying in shape takes a long-term commitment and constant vigilance, but it has major health rewards.