January 18 -24 Is Healthy Weight Week Join us this month in the OHSU Center for Women's Health clinics as we shine a spotlight on the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.

According to former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, an "obesity epidemic" threatens public health in the United States. Obesity is generally caused by too many calories and too little physical activity. Obesity can lead to several serious and sometimes fatal diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and asthma. The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2002 alone, approximately one-third of all cancer deaths will be due to poor nutrition lack of physical activity, obesity, and other lifestyle factors.

In addition to these diseases, research has shown a link between obesity and depression. According to a study reported in the Pediatrics journal, adolescents who have depression are more likely to be obese than those who do not have depression. Conversely, some studies have shown that people who are obese often internalize negative attitudes about their weight, which can lead to depression.

Maintaining a healthy weight can increase life expectancy, quality of life, and physical and mental well-being. As an individual, you can help maintain a healthy weight by eating the recommended number of calories each day and getting regular exercise. Communities can promote healthy weight by establishing safe venues for children to play, ensuring that school lunches are healthy, and encouraging physical activity for its residents.

It is extremely important, however, that you consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or beginning a new exercise program. To find a dietitian in your area, visit the web site of the American Dietetic Association's Nationwide Nutrition Network at http://www.eatright.org/Public/PublicDietitianDisclaimerAdvanced.htm.

Source: http://www.mentalhealth.org/highlights/January2003/weight/pubs.asp

Healthy Weight Week Events in the OHSU Center for Women's Health

Speaking of Health brown bag at OHSU and Nordstrom, Downtown Portland
Spotlight Series on Nutrition Healthy Weight in the OHSU Center for Women's Health Clinics

Links to Information on Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Healthy Weight Week (Healthy Weight Network)
http://www.healthyweight.net/hww.htm

Weight Control: The Power of Healthy Choices (American Academy of Family Physicians)
http://familydoctor.org/197.xml

How Can I Lose Weight? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/h_weight/c_lose.htm

Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight? (Weight-control Information Network)
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/health.htm

Calculating Your Body Mass Index (The National Institutes for Health)
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Body Mass Index for Children and Teens (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-for-age.htm

Partnership for Health Weight Management
http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/

More health resources.