Weight Control for a Healthier Valentines

The valentine’s season is fast approaching, and lovers around the world are getting ready for the celebrations the season brings. These celebrations usually involve fine dining, lovers offering each other gifts such as expensive jewelry and chocolates. Essentially, couples ingest vast amounts of calories during this period.

Dr. Kelechi Azuogu, a primary doctor in Cypress, encourages couples to focus on their health more, especially during this valentine’s period. One way couples can improve their health is through weight management. According to a study published in the obesity research journal, if you decide to lose weight, your partner will also lose weight.

Diseases and Health Conditions Associated with Obesity and Overweight

You are considered obese if you have a vast amount of extra body fat, while the term overweight is used to describe someone with extra body weight from bone, water, muscle, and fat. Body mass index is used to measure obesity and overweight.

It is essential you maintain a healthy weight for overall health. Physical health plays an important role in ensuring you have a quality lifestyle. Below are some of the diseases and health conditions associated with obesity and overweight:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Gallbladder disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Low HDL cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, or intense levels of triglycerides
• Sleep apnea
• Breathing problems
• Stroke
• Body pain
• Complications with physical functioning
• Mental disorders like anxiety and depression

Similarly, recent studies have shown compelling evidence that obesity and overweight increase the risk of developing certain cancers. This association is attributed to the vast fat deposits that are common with these people. Below are some of the cancers that being obese or overweight exposes you to:

• Gastric cardia cancer

This cancer affects the upper part of your stomach closest to the esophagus.

• Meningioma

These are gradually growing brain tumors that develop in the membrane that surrounds your spinal cord and brain.

• Endometrial cancer

This cancer affects the lining of the uterus

• Kidney cancer

Renal cell cancer, considered the most popular form of kidney cancer, is most likely to attack obese people compared to normal-weight people.

• Esophageal adenocarcinoma

Obese people are twice likely to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma compared to normal-weight people.

• Thyroid cancer

A 5-unit increase in body mass index causes a 10% increase in the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer.

• Colorectal cancer

A higher body mass index significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• Breast cancer

Women in post-menopause have higher BMI, which increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Tips for Effective Weight Management for Couples

Considering the health risks posed by overweight and obesity, working toward achieving a healthy weight with your partner is arguably the best gift you can give to your partner this valentines seasons. As stated earlier, couples have a higher probability of completing a workout plan compared to singles.

Below are tips on how you and your partner can effectively control your weight before and after the valentine’s period:

• Consider couples counseling

In case your partner does not support your healthy lifestyle, it is wise you visit a couple’s counselor or therapist since this is a sign your relationship has underlying issues. Similarly, if your partner has esteem issues about their weight, it would be difficult to bring up the issue. Seeking professional services or advice on the matter will help avoid unnecessary conflicts caused by miscommunication.

• Establish an action plan

No great accomplishment is achieved without prior planning. A plan helps eliminate the risk of power struggles later on in your weight loss journey as a couple. Similarly, a plan helps keep both of you on track since you already have a roadmap to where you want to be. In essence, a plan provides a means of tracking your accomplishments over time and keeps you organized, with everyone knowing the role they play.

• Share and understand your motivation

As a couple, you both have different reasons for your desire to lose weight. In the beginning, you should both ensure you clearly comprehend each other’s reasons for weight loss. A definite and genuine reason is essential since it provides the stimulus needed to motivate both of you to work on this goal as a couple, especially during days when you feel demotivated.

• Exercise and eat together as much as possible

Exercising and eating allow both of you to follow similar weight-loss programs, which creates a sense of unity. This unity also acts as motivation since when one partner feels under the weather, the other spouse is there to offer encouragement.

• Ensure you both communicate effectively

As is with any other endeavor involving two or more parties, communication is a crucial factor that determines success. Both you and your partner should ensure you both contribute to your journey equally. Both verbal and written communication is essential to provide a detailed guideline of each one’s role.

In conclusion, managing your weight is essential for a long, happy, and productive life. As couples, you should be more conscious of your health. However, you should seek professional advice before embarking on a weight loss program. For more information on the topic, visit us today at Crosspoint Medical Clinic.