Tag: Obesity and Overweight

Weight Loss and the Older Adult: Risks and Benefits

Hands sorting peanuts for quality. Consuming more plant-based proteins such as soy, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help manage unintentional weight loss. Photo Credits: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Adults who are obese are often advised to lose weight to reduce the risk of chronic disease. However, the health benefits of weight loss change as we become older, and unintentional weight loss is linked to its own set of health risks. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department discusses the risks and benefits of planned and unplanned weight loss for older adults. Written by Wendy Gans, Rachelle Savelle, Nancy J. Gal, and Wendy Dahl.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs401

Food Insecurity and Obesity

Hand on keypad using a vending machine.

Food insecurity is prevalent across the US and often coexists with obesity. It is important that the coexistence of food insecurity and obesity is well understood so that community outreach programs and interventions can continue to be implemented in order to improve food security by increasing access to affordable, healthy foods and promoting good health nationwide. This 4-page fact sheet discusses food insecurity, reduced access to healthy food options, the cycle of food excess and deprivation, SNAP, the WIC program, and child nutrition programs. Written by Rachel Savelle and LaToya J. O'Neal, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, February 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1473

Citrus Flavonoid Effects on Obesity

The increased prevalence of obesity in recent decades has sparked tremendous concern worldwide. A type of phytochemical, called flavanoids, has been shown in clinical trials to provide significan benefits to overall health because of their antioxidant abilities. Flavanoids are especially abundant in citrus species. This two-page fact sheets describes the health benefits of citrus flavanoids. Written by Yu Wang and Laura Reuss and published by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs285

Body Fat and Health: How Can I Tell if I am at Risk for Health Problems?

Woman getting her weight.

Obesity is called an epidemic because there is a high rate of obesity in the United States. In fact, over 30% of all US adults were obese as of 2012, and more than two-thirds are either overweight or obese. This is concerning because excess body fat is linked to poor health and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. The amount of excess body fat a person has is commonly sorted into weight status categories using Body Mass Index. This three-page fact sheet describes the body mass index and how to calculate it. Written by Kohrine A. Counts and Anne E. Mathews and published by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs284

The Risks of Obesity, Weight Control Behaviors, and Disordered Eating on (to) Adolescents

UF student gets ready to eat fudge topped with toasted crickets and mealworms.Over the past 15 years, unhealthy weight-loss behaviors among U.S. adolescents are becoming more widespread. This 5-page fact sheet addresses the consequences and risks associated with risky weight-control practices and discusses the prevalence of eating disorders and the role of body image in weight practices. The publication also provides references that can be used to help practitioners educate youth on the importance of setting realistic goals and enhancing body satisfaction. Written by Emily Johnson and Kate Fogarty, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2014. (AP Photo/University of Florida/IFAS/Josh Wickham)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1452

El sobrepeso y el mantenimiento de la perdida de peso (FSHN1304S/FS228)

Figure 1. Exercising and staying active will help increase your metabolism throughout the day.Para muchas personas, la pérdida de peso es una batalla crónica. Las dietas populares a menudo son poco exitosas porque no se pueden seguir de forma permanente. No hay una dieta mágica que le pueda hacer bajar de peso inmediatamente, pero a continuación se enumeran algunos buenos consejos para la pérdida de peso de una manera estable y de largo plazo. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Anne Mathews, Lauren Foster, and Wendy Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, April 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs228

Overweight and Weight Loss Maintenance (FSHN1304/FS226)

Figure 1. Exercising and staying active will help increase your metabolism throughout the day.For many people, weight loss is a chronic battle. Popular diets are often unsuccessful because they cannot be followed permanently. There is no magic diet to make you instantly shed pounds, but some good tips for steady, long-term weight loss are listed in this 2-page fact sheet written by Anne Mathews, Lauren Foster, and Wendy Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, February 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs226

Raising Healthy Children: Health Risks of Obesity (FCS80023/FY1356)

Figure 1. Babies need fat for normal growth, but as they develop into children too much fat can be unhealthy.Although babies need fat for warmth and normal growth, as children develop, too much fat can be unhealthy. Childhood obesity may result in health problems early in life and into adulthood. This 4-page fact sheet will help you understand the health risks of obesity and ways to help your child maintain a healthy weight. Written by Stephanie Meyer, Karla Shelnutt, and Gail Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1356

Abdominal Obesity (FCS80021/FY1347)

Figure 1. To prevent or treat abdominal obesity, change your exercise and eating habits. You can do this by eating healthy foods, controlling portion sizes, and getting regular physical activity.Santa Claus, Winnie the Pooh®, and Shrek® … what do these three characters have in common? You probably know them for being jolly and for having extra fat around their waists, also known as “abdominal obesity.” Although this may be cute in fairy tales or movies, abdominal obesity can be a serious health risk in the real world. Abdominal obesity, also known as central adiposity, is a buildup of fat tissue around the waist or midsection. It is a risk factor for certain health conditions. Read this 4-page fact sheet to find out more about the health risks of abdominal obesity and ways to prevent or treat it. Written by Erica Bub, Karla Shelnutt, and Gail Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1347

Preventing Childhood Obesity through Physical Activity (FAR8038/FM252)

children playing“Many parents are concerned about rising rates of childhood obesity. It’s important to keep a healthy perspective on the situation and not overreact with overly restrictive approaches that can do more harm than good. One way to promote healthy weights in children is to help them to be physically active.” This 2-page Family Album Radio transcript was written by Linda Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm252

Portion Control: A Key to Weight Management (FCS8937/FY1219)

Americans are eating more calories than ever before. Along with this increase in calories, portion sizes have grown larger over the years. Understanding portion control can help you eat the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. Learn more in this 5-page fact sheet written by Cassie C. Gaisser and Karla P. Shelnutt, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1219

FCS8853/HE778 Healthstyle: A Self-Test

Revised! FCS8853, a 6-page illustrated fact sheet adapted by Linda B. Bobroff, provides a brief self-test, developed by the Public Health Service, that indicates how well a person is doing in several categories of healthy behaviors recommended for most adult Americans. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, June 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he778