| The U.S. Center for Disease Control has declared that | | | | between obesity and self reported pain: the more |
| obesity is an epidemic. One in three Americans are | | | | obese you are, the more pain you have. |
| obese, twice as many as in the 1970’s. Soon, being | | | | How can those who are obese reduce their pain? |
| overweight will surpass smoking as the leading cause | | | | Unfortunately, there are no easy or revolutionary |
| of preventable death in the U.S. The accelerating | | | | answers. Aside from using prescription pain medication, |
| increase in obesity among children is also alarming. It is | | | | the three most effective ways of reducing pain |
| attributed to less activity and more sedentary behavior | | | | resulting from obesity are: |
| (computer and video games, TV) and eating more | | | | - Weight loss |
| high-calorie snack and fast foods. Ironically, the world | | | | - Exercise |
| now has almost as many over-nourished as | | | | - Massage |
| under-nourished people. | | | | It’s a simple case of “energy balance”. If you |
| Obesity is the primary factor in nearly all preventable | | | | consume more calories than you burn through |
| diseases, including: | | | | exercise and other activities, you will gain weight. Over |
| High blood pressure | | | | 25% of the American population is classified as |
| Atherosclerosis | | | | “completely sedentary”, not engaging in any |
| Stroke | | | | physical activity on a daily basis. As a nation, we are |
| Diabetes, type 2 | | | | consuming more processed carbohydrates and |
| Endometrial, breast and colorectal cancer | | | | sugars, resulting in higher calorie intake. The |
| Bone and joint disorders, herniated disks and knee | | | | consumption of an extra 300 calories a |
| problems | | | | day—whether from fruit or a soda—will result in |
| Chronic back pain | | | | weight gain. Americans are eating more vegetables |
| Varicose veins | | | | than in past decades, but they are iceberg lettuce, |
| Osteoarthritis | | | | french fries and potato chips—not fiber and nutrient |
| Osteoporosis | | | | rich choices like carrots or broccoli. |
| And many more. | | | | As obesity rates continue to climb worldwide, the pain |
| In addition, obesity can lead to psychological conditions: | | | | and diseases associated with obesity will become the |
| Anxiety | | | | world’s responsibility. It is in our communal best |
| Chronic depression | | | | interest to alter eating habits and advocate for the |
| Poor self image, reclusiveness | | | | increase of daily activity among people of all ages. |
| These many physical and psychological problems | | | | Only then will we take the first step in becoming a |
| result in pain. It appears that obesity may actually | | | | healthier, pain free society. |
| increase our sensitivity to pain. There is a relationship | | | | |