Home
Back Issues
ChicaGirl Blog
About Us
CG ShopObesity in Young Hispanics |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by CG Girl |
| Friday, 09 October 2009 20:27 |
|
OBESITY WRITTEN BY DR. MARK McDonnell Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States, with nearly one in every three adults is considered obese. More alarming is the fact that one teenager in four is consider obese. Some of the reasons for this trend are changes in diet and lack of physical activity. We live in a world that is very fast paced and high fat, high calorie fast food is readily accessible and highly convenient. Ever wonder why there are so many fast food chains? They are very profitable. Obesity is a direct contributor to diabetes, heart disease and strokes but it also has serious consequences on the musculoskeletal system. Joints are the connection between bones that allows for movement of our bodies. They are lined with cartilage and synovial tissue that allow for easy, smooth, pain free motion. Excessive weight causes these joints to wear out prematurely. The repetitive trauma of excessive weight causes trauma to the surface of these joints leading to thinning of cartilage, bone spur formation, and painful range of motion. This is referred to as Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Unfortunately, once the cartilage is worn out, there is no proven way to have it regenerate. Ligaments are the soft tissue connection between bones and provide stability. Excessive weight on these structures cause micro tears. These tears lead to inflammation and pain. One common malady that seems to correlate with obesity is heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. Many of us have family members that have had this condition. Plantar fasciitis is very difficult to treat on your own and may limit a person’s ability to work and exercise. Inability to stay active and exercise leads to further weight gain and increased tearing of the plantar fascia. Tendons are the tissue that connects muscle to bone, and their pull on the bone allows us to bend our knees, elbows etc. Much in the same way excessive weight causes damage to ligaments; it also can lead to fraying and tearing of tendons. Sedentary individuals have more body mass and unfortunately have less strength in these tendons. Attempting to move a larger object with a weaker tendon is the recipe for ruptures of tendons. So, not only does obesity affect your cardiovascular system, it also affects your musculoskeletal system. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website has a Body Mass Index calculator for teens. IT WOULD BE GOOD TO ACTUALLY INCLUDE THE WEBSITE HERE. It will tell you where you are at now and where you should be in the future. Start an exercise program—you will feel great and you will be helping your body. Exercise will help you lead a long and healthy active life. |
