Make Ailing Kids Happy

The World Health Organization says more than a billion adults around the world are overweight and 300 million of them are obese, putting them at a much higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke, and some forms of cancer. The number of overweight or obese Filipinos has been steadily increasing in years.

Recommended exams: A few evaluations can help you determine if you need to lose weight for medical reasons. One is a body mass index (BMI), which is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. Another is a waist circumference measurement, which is used to see if you carry most of your fat around your waist or upper body. These are evaluated along with your medical history, physical exam and other screening tests to determine your level of certain health risks.

What’s involved: For a BMI, you will be weighed and have your height measured, and these figures will be used in a calculation. BMI is weight (in kg) divided by height (in meters squared). If your BMI is between 19 and 24, you’re considered in a healthy weight range for your height. If your BMI is between 25 and 29, you’re considered overweight. If the figure is 30 or greater, you’re considered obese. A waist circumference measurement greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men pose increased health risk.

How to prepare: Talk with your doctor openly and honestly about your weight and how an unhealthy weight affects your health.

Screening exams play an important role in protecting your health. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!”