Diet, exercise key to weight control

by Jayna Boyle News Reporter Of young people ages 18-24 in Doña Ana County, 33.9 percent are classified as overweight and 19.3 percent are obese, according to a study by the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System. Rosa Lopez, registered dietician and special projects dietician for District III, said the statistics were compiled in 2002 from a random telephone survey in which individuals self-reported their weight, so reported weights were probably under estimated. "[Obesity] is a big U.S. problem right now because of increased risk and health consequences," said Rosalinda F. Garcia, health educator at New Mexico State University. According to the Weight-control Information Network in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, being overweight or obese may lead to diabetes, heart disease or a stroke. It also may contribute to hypertension, gallbladder disease, degeneration of cartilage and bones of joints, sleep apnea and some forms of uterine, breast, colorectal, kidney and gallbladder cancer. Garcia said studies have shown students exercise more when school is not in session. She said once school starts, students are bombarded with homework and jobs, and a sedentary lifestyle sets in. "We all respond differently to stress," Garcia said. Some students tend to overeat when they are feeling stressed, while others may forget to eat anything at all, she said. "Obesity has to do with how much you consume and how much you expel," Garcia said. "Some say it's genetic, but anyone can become obese." A person is classified as overweight or obese depending on their Body Mass Index. BMI correlates with body fat, and the relation differs with age and gender. A person with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while obesity is classified as 30 and above. Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight loss products and services, according to the Weight-control Information Network. This includes money spent on low-calorie foods, artificially sweetened products and memberships to commercial weight-loss centers. "Pills and shakes will only cost you money," Garcia said. "The quick fix doesn't work." Garcia said people need to find a food and exercise regime that they can maintain for the duration of their lives. "The hardest part of exercising is staying self-motivated," she said. Students may schedule an appointment at the Student Health Center to meet with the nutritionist to determine what foods they should eat and what foods they should avoid, Garcia said. Students also may receive information about exercising and weight management. The Department of Health in Las Cruces also offers weight loss programs to people 18 and older. For more information, call 528-5053.

Be the first to comment on this article!

Add comment


I am not posting spam. I understand posting spam or other comments that are unrelated to this article will cause my comment to be flagged for deletion and possibly cause my IP address to be permanently banned from this server.

Enter the characters in the image above:

log out