Warning Signs of Anemia
Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath? You could be dealing with low healthy red blood cells or anemia. Find out more about anemia and the tell-tale warning signs you could suffer from.
What Can I Do if I’m Genetically Inclined to Be Obese?
Obesity is a worldwide problem, often causing high healthcare costs and chronic medical issues especially if you have kidney issues as well. Many people are genetically predisposed to obesity, leading to additional challenges when maintaining a healthy weight.
However, just because your genetics point towards a life of excess weight doesn't mean you have to be obese. There are several lifestyle changes you can make to avoid obesity and cut your risk of severe health problems.
Your health is our number one goal at Metro Renal Associates in Washington, DC, and Capitol Heights, Maryland. Our three expert nephrologists take your overall wellness and kidney health seriously, giving you the tools you need to keep your weight under control and prevent dangerous medical conditions from occurring.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a severe medical issue created by excess fat accumulation in the body that poses a risk for serious health issues. In 2017, more than four million people worldwide died from complications of obesity.
Medical professionals define obesity in relation to a person's body mass index (BMI). A BMI of over 30 indicates obesity, which increases a person's risk of complicated health issues, including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
Increased fat accumulation around your midsection, along with a genetic predisposition to obesity, significantly improves the odds of severe health complications.
Risk factors for obesity
Genetics is only one aspect of obesity. Other factors also play a role in excess weight, including the following:
- Poor sleep patterns
- Eating too much
- Lack of exercise
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High levels of stress
- Certain medical conditions
- Some medications
Paired with genetics, these risk factors make you much more likely to suffer from obesity if you're not careful. However, you don't have to sit back and watch the weight pile on — there are ways to stay healthy.
Are you doomed to be obese?
You're indeed at an increased risk for obesity if you're genetically predisposed — but that doesn't mean it has to be your life.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 15 genes play a role in obesity. While your risk for obesity rises with these genes in your body, you're not automatically on the path to obesity.
The trick to a healthy life is minor changes to decrease caloric intake and promote daily physical activity to lower your risk of health problems.
Taking control of your weight
If you're concerned about your genetic risk of obesity, there are a few steps you can take. Our team evaluates your overall health and wellness and provides you with the following tips to tip the scales in your favor:
Eat a healthy diet
Your diet is a huge factor when it comes to fighting obesity. Ensure you fit plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins into your diet.
Avoid overly processed foods because they don't have much nutritional value and pack a lot of calories.
Cut back on sugar
Sugar is one of the biggest culprits of obesity. Sodas, desserts, and other processed foods contain large amounts of sugar, which quickly pack on the pounds.
Simply cutting out soda and cutting back on sweets can help you fight off diabetes and other obesity-related health conditions.
Get moving
Exercise is a great way to burn calories, stay in shape, and fight off dangerous health problems. You don't need to run a marathon; simply walking daily or exercising during commercials can reduce your risk of weight gain.
Watch your calorie intake
Reducing daily calories is one of the most straightforward steps to lose weight and fight obesity. A calorie-tracking app can help you eat fewer calories than you burn during the day and lose sustainable amounts of weight over several weeks to months.
Call one of our offices today to discuss your options for losing weight and fighting obesity, or message the team using our convenient online tool.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Why Cancer Treatments May Delay Your Kidney Transplant
Getting a kidney transplant is stressful enough without adding in cancer treatments – but you may have to wait for a new kidney with a cancer diagnosis. Read on to learn why cancer delays a kidney transplant and how long you have to wait afterward.
I Was Just Diagnosed with PKD: Do I Have to Give Up My Coffee?
A new diagnosis of PKD can be scary – especially when you're thinking about giving up the things you love. Keep reading to discover more about PKD, how to manage it, and if you must give up your morning coffee to stay healthy.
How Dehydration Can Cause Blood Pressure Problems
Dehydration occurs more often than you think, but it's not always life-threatening. In some cases, though, it can lead to other issues, like high blood pressure. Read on to discover how dehydration impacts your blood pressure and how to prevent it.
There’s Blood in My Urine: What Should I Do?
You never expect to see blood in your urine – but what happens if you do? Keep reading to learn the reasons for blood in the urine and what you should do next for treatment.
Manage Your PKD By Controlling Your Blood Pressure With These Helpful Tips
High blood pressure affects many aspects of your health, including your kidneys, but when you have PKD, you can't afford to have high blood pressure, too. Keep reading to learn how to manage your blood pressure and avoid complications from PKD.