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Obesity is a problem that affects many Americans. A federal survey in 2000 estimated that 60% of Americans are overweight. It stated that on average Americans now weigh more than they have ever weighed since the government began keeping track. There are many different health risks associated with being overweight.

Usually doctors use a height to weight ratio to determine if someone is overweight. For instance the healthy weight of an individual that is 5'7" is around 125 - 165 pounds. Over that they are considered to be overweight and if they weigh more than 185 pounds they would be considered obese. This is of course not an exact science, because since muscle weighs more than fat, it is possible to be technically overweight, but still very healthy. For this reason the height weight ration should not be used as an absolute indicator, but the amount of a person's body fat should also be considered.

A person that is overweight has an increased risk of many medical conditions. The leading cause of disability and death in the United States is heart attack and stroke. People that are overweight usually have a higher blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. High levels of cholesterol and blood fats, commonly found in individuals who are overweight, can also be contributing factors to stroke and heart disease. Even loosing as little at 10% of your overall weight can greatly decrease theses risks because it reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and blood fats, and also improves the way your heart functions.

Osteoarthritis is also something that commonly affects those who are overweight. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that usually affects the joints in your knees, hips, and back. Cartilage in your joints protects your bones from rubbing together. This cartilage begins to wear away in those that suffer from osteoarthritis, which can be very painful and greatly limit your range of motion. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but by loosing weight and exercising, you can reduce the risk of contracting this joint disorder. The use of canes or rolling walkers can be used by those who suffer from osteoarthritis to reduce the amount of wear that is placed on the joints. Lift chars, recliners that can be raised and lowered to make standing and sitting much easier, are also used to reduce pain and reduce the amount of wear on the knees and back. Lift chairs come in all different shapes and sizes. There are several heavy duty models that can support over 500 pounds and are frequently used by those that are overweight. Some people also use heat and cold temperatures to relieve pain and many lift chairs come with built in heat pads.

If you are overweight, the best way to ensure that you remain healthy is to eat healthy and exercise. Fruits and vegetables can be very filling and are extremely low in fat and calories. It is important, however, to remember that most fruits are high in sugar, which if you are diabetic can be detrimental to your health. Exercise is also very important and you should start out slowly. Begin by taking short walks or using an exercise machine for only a few minutes at a time. Eventually you will be able to take much longer walks or exercise for an extended period of time, but it will not come instantly and you should not try to force it.

Loosing weight can greatly increase your health and will make you feel better about yourself. If you already suffer from the onset of osteoarthritis, there is no cure, but by doing a little bit of low strain exercise and reducing the amount of wear on your joints, by using devices like walkers and lift chairs, you can help reduce the advance of osteoarthritis and greatly reduce the pain associated with it.

David Litel is an experienced writer for A1 Medical Supplies. To learn more about Lift chairs, home medical supplies, stair lifts, and more visits or call A1 Medical Supplies.