Waist:hip ratios are plotted on a graph according to age and sex. The relative risk associated with ratio is calculated based on values plotted. Thus, an overweight person with abnormal fat patterning may be at high risk for these diseases even if that person is not obese by BMI criteria. (1)

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Another thing to consider is that if an individual is heavily muscled, their BMI will not be an adequate predictor of health risk. This is why using a variety of measures will give you a better idea of whether or not you are at an increased risk.

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Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

There are a number of bioelectrical impedance analysis meters on market. They work on principle that electrical currents will travel through different tissues at different rates. By sending a small electrical current through your body and measuring return speed, an approximate measure of body fat is attained.

As electricity will follow shortest route, if you use a scale bioelectrical impedance analysis instrument, you will have an idea of your lower body fat content. If you use a hand held device, it will give you an idea of upper body fat. Both of these tend to miss measuring core body fat. An instrument that passes current through core will give you a better idea of core body fat.

Typical normal values are in range of 10-20% body fat for men and 15-25% body fat for women. (3) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- In next issue, we will review some information about exercise and how much should be done, different types of exercises that you might want to try, and strategies to implement exercise into your life.

In future issues we will look at diet, caloric restriction, supplementation, and more.

Until next time…

Yours in Health,

Dr. M. Montgomery @ www.healthyunderstanding.com

References

1. Obesity, Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D., Medscape.com 2. Overweight Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Screening, Assessment and Management, Barbara Polhamus, PhD, MPH, RD; Diane Thompson, MPH, RD; Sandra L. Benton-Davis, BS; Christopher M. Reinold, MPH, RD, LD; Comm. Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, PhD; William Dietz, MD, PhD., Medscape.com 3. University of Michigan Health System (online)

Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take place of your health care provider.

This is a commercial newsletter provided free by HealthyUnderstanding.com

For weight loss and other health care products go to www.road2health.net and www.road2health1.net for a quick BMI calculation.

This newsletter may be distributed in its entirety without alteration. If you wish to use it in your publication, a copy of your publication would be appreciated. Please send it to DrM@healthyunderstanding.com

371 Kenderdine Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3S5

Management of Overweight in Children and Adolescents

Strategies used in a management plan for overweight are based on information obtained from assessment. Weight loss is recommended only if complications such as hyperlipidemia or hypertension are identified or for children 7 years or older with a BMI-for-age at or above 95th percentile. Otherwise, weight maintenance is recommended.

Individualized recommendations.

Each family has its own set of supports and stresses. Because success with weight management can be difficult to achieve, recommendations for change must consider family's readiness for change, family support, financial concerns, and neighborhood characteristics (including access to play areas and grocery stores). Unless situation is understood fully, recommendations for change may not be targeted appropriately.

Treatment should begin early, involve family, and institute permanent changes in a stepwise manner. Parenting skills are foundation for successful intervention, which includes a gradual targeted increase in physical activity and targeted reductions in high-fat and high-calorie foods.

So in end, we need to focus not only on ourselves but environments that are promoting this epidemic. As a colleague mentioned to me, to truly heal, whole community must be involved. If we all sit back and wait for someone else to do something, nothing will ever be done.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Marshal Montgomery @ http://www.HealthyUnderstanding.com

References 1.The Bad News About Prevalence, Good News About Treatments -- But Pay Attention to Details, Linda Brookes, MSc ,Medscape Cardiology. 2005; 9 (1): ©2005 Medscape. 2. Overweight Children and Adolescents: Recommendations for Screening, Assessment and Management, Authors: Barbara Polhamus, PhD, MPH, RD; Diane Thompson, MPH, RD; Sandra L. Benton-Davis, BS; Christopher M. Reinold, MPH, RD, LD; Comm. Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, PhD; William Dietz, MD, PhD 3. Prevention of Overweight and Obesity: Focus on Children and Adolescents,Patricia Markham Risica, DrPH, RD 4. Obesity,Jonathan Q. Purnell, M.D. 5.American College of Physicians Issues Guidelines for Obesity Management CME News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD CME Author: Charles Vega, MD, FAAFP All were sourced from medscape.com

Disclaimer: As always, check with your health care provider to see if this information applies to you. Due diligence is your responsibility. This information is meant to supplement your knowledge, not to replace your own decision making process or take place of your health care provider.

This is a commercial newsletter provided for free by HealthyUnderstanding.com

For weight loss and other health care products go to www.road2health.net For a quick BMI calculation go to www.road2health1.net.

This newsletter may be distributed in its entirety without alteration. If you wish to use it in your publication, a copy of your publication would be appreciated.

Please send it to DrM@healthyunderstanding.com

371 Kenderdine Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3S5