You may have already heard that unhealthy weight is one of the biggest determining factors for many health problems in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) the health consequences for obese adults include the following:

• All-causes of death (mortality)

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (dyslipidemia)

• Type 2 diabetes

• Coronary heart disease

• Stroke

• Gallbladder disease

• Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)

• Sleep apnea and breathing problems

• Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress

• Some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver)

• Low quality of life

• Mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders

• Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning

With all of the marketing for expensive weight-loss pills, diet supplements, and fad diets, one may feel lost and wonder where to begin in their weight-loss journey. Vanderloo Family Medicine wants to support you in your goals and help make weight-loss an affordable reality. The first step is meeting with your primary care physician. Dr. Vanderloo will meet with you to do your wellness visit, order bloodwork to check your cholesterol levels, and assist you in creating a healthy lifestyle plan to get you back on track, for as little as $65 (Direct Primary Care members) or $100 for a one-time visit.

You don’t have to spend a fortune in medications and gym memberships to meet your goals. In fact, a healthy diet (high in fiber and low in sugar) along with regular exercise are two of the least expensive things you can do to get started today! Setting simple goals like using the stairs instead of the elevator, finding a spot in the parking lot furthest from the door, or walking during your lunch break, will help you add up steps toward your daily exercise goals. While this may seem small, it all adds up to big results over time.

Feel free to check your weight status using the CDC’s Body Mass Index Calculator for Adults (age 20 and older) below. If you would like a visit with Dr. Vanderloo, please click the Get in Touch button on our website: VanderlooFamilyMedicine.com. In addition, give yourself lots of grace! Weight gain does not happen over night and neither does weight loss. If you fall off the wagon, we are here to get you back on.