Westchester County, NY weight loss

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Obesity in Westchester County, New York: Challenges and Solutions[edit | edit source]

Central Obesity

Westchester County, located in the state of New York, is grappling with a significant public health issue: obesity. According to the 2010 Census, the county has a population of 949,113 and comprises approximately 45 municipalities. The age-adjusted percentage of adults who are either overweight or obese is a concerning 58.6%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 59.3% but still alarmingly high.

Demographics and Obesity in Westchester County[edit | edit source]

Westchester County is diverse in terms of its population and socioeconomic status. The varying lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and levels of physical activity across different communities contribute to the obesity rates.

Understanding the Obesity Crisis[edit | edit source]

Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while overweight is defined as having a BMI between 25 and 29.9. This condition is associated with an increased risk of numerous health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and hypertension.

Obesity and overweight statistics - Westchester County, New York[edit | edit source]

Obesity Indicator 3 Year Total County Rate NYS Rate Sig.Dif. NYS Rate exc NYC Sig.Dif. "County Ranking
Group
All students (elementary - PreK, K, 2nd and 4th grades, middle - 7th grade and high school - 10th grade)
% overweight but not obese (85th-less than 95th percentile) # N/A 14.9 N/A N/A 16.2 N/A 1st
% obese (95th percentile or higher) N/A 14.0 N/A N/A 17.6 N/A 1st
% overweight or obese (85th percentile or higher) N/A 28.9 N/A N/A 33.7 N/A 1st
Elementary students (PreK, K, 2nd and 4th grades)
% overweight but not obese (85th-less than 95th percentile) # N/A 14.3 N/A N/A 15.8 N/A 1st
% obese (95th percentile or higher ) N/A 14.0 N/A N/A 17.2 N/A 1st
% overweight or obese (85th percentile or higher) N/A 28.3 N/A N/A 33.0 N/A 1st
Middle and high school students (7th and 10th grades)
% overweight but not obese (85th-less than 95th percentile) # N/A 15.9 N/A N/A 16.8 N/A 1st
% obese (95th percentile or higher ) N/A 13.8 N/A N/A 18.2 N/A 1st
% overweight or obese (85th percentile or higher) N/A 29.7 N/A N/A 35.0 N/A 1st
% of pregnant women in WIC who were pre-pregnancy overweight but not obese (BMI 25-less than 30) 4,711 30.9 26.6 Yes 26.3 Yes 4th
% of pregnant women in WIC who were pre-pregnancy obese (BMI 30 or higher) 3,622 23.8 24.2 No 28.0 Yes 1st
% obese (95th percentile or higher) children in WIC (aged 2-4 years) 4,954 16.8 14.4 Yes 15.3 Yes 4th
% of children in WIC viewing TV 2 hours or less per day (aged 2-4 years) (2009-2011) 24,272 75.5 79.1 Yes 80.7 Yes 2nd
% of WIC mothers breastfeeding at 6 months (2009-2011) 4,832 47.7 38.3 Yes 27.9 Yes 1st
Age-adjusted % of adults overweight or obese (BMI 25 or higher) (2008-2009) N/A 58.6 59.3 No 60.6 No 1st
Age-adjusted % of adults obese (BMI 30 or higher) (2008-2009) N/A 19.9 23.1 No 24.3 No 1st
Age-adjusted % of adults who did not participate in leisure time physical activity in last 30 days (2008-2009) N/A 79.0 76.3 No 78.9 No 3rd
Age-adjusted % of adults eating 5 or more fruits or vegetables per day (2008-2009) N/A 30.6 27.1 No 27.7 No 1st
Age-adjusted % of adults with physician diagnosed diabetes (2008-2009) N/A 7.2 9.0 No 8.5 No 1st
Age-adjusted % of adults with physician diagnosed angina, heart attack or stroke # (2008-2009) N/A 5.2 7.6 No 7.2 No 1st
Age-adjusted mortality rate per 100,000
Cardiovascular disease mortality (2009-2011) 7,449 198.7 242.3 Yes 237.9 Yes 1st
Cerebrovascular disease (stroke) mortality (2009-2011) 913 24.8 26.9 Yes 31.4 Yes 1st
Diabetes mortality (2009-2011) 385 10.9 17.0 Yes 15.1 Yes 1st
Age-adjusted hospitalization rate per 100,000
Cardiovascular disease hospitalizations (2009-2011) 47,075 137.4 159.9 Yes 150.9 Yes 2nd
Cerebrovascular disease (stroke) hospitalizations (2009-2011) 7,881 22.8 24.9 Yes 25.0 Yes 2nd
Diabetes hospitalizations (primary diagnosis) (2009-2011) 4,442 13.9 18.8 Yes 14.4 No 2nd

Source: [58.6||59.3 NY state department of Health, 2010-2012]

Rethinking Our Dietary Approach

Shifting focus from individual blame to understanding the complexities of obesity is crucial. A key factor is insulin resistance, impacting up to 71% of the population, with 35% experiencing metabolic syndrome.

Navigating Misinformation

The overwhelming presence of over 20,000 books and mixed messages on obesity medicine calls for guidance from experts like Dr Prab R. Tumpati, MD, who can provide clarity on the science and practice of this field.

The Downfall of the Food Guide Pyramid

The outdated and ineffective food guide pyramid, promoting a low-fat but high-glycemic diet, significantly contributed to increased insulin resistance and, consequently, weight gain.

Insulin resistance and weight gain

Insulin resistance is a physiological condition where the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. As insulin not only controls the blood sugar, it also controls the weight! Reducing the overall carbohydrate load and insulin levels is a key underlying concept in many low carbohydrate diets such as the ketogenic diet.

The Blame Game in Obesity

Understanding metabolic starvation

Weight gain isn't typically intentional. It often stems from the paradox of metabolic starvation in the obese, driven by insulin resistance and resulting in heightened insulin levels. This leads to persistent hunger, cravings, and further weight gain. Stop blaming the victim for obesity!

Contributing Factors[edit | edit source]

The high rates of obesity in Westchester County can be attributed to multiple factors:

  • 1. Sedentary Lifestyle: With advancements in technology and a prevalence of desk jobs, many residents have sedentary lifestyles.
  • 2. Dietary Choices: Fast food, processed foods, and high-calorie diets are common, contributing to weight gain.
  • 3. Economic Disparities: In some areas, there is limited access to affordable, nutritious food and safe places for physical activity.
  • 4. Cultural Influences: Different cultural norms and perceptions around body weight can influence obesity rates.
  • 5. Lack of Awareness: Despite information availability, there's often a gap in practical knowledge regarding healthy lifestyle choices.

Tackling Obesity in Westchester County[edit | edit source]

Addressing the obesity crisis in Westchester County requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Community Programs: Initiatives promoting physical activity and healthy eating are essential. Community gardens, farmer's markets, and wellness workshops can make a difference. 2. School-Based Interventions: Schools can play a crucial role by offering healthier meal options and robust physical education programs. 3. Public Health Campaigns: Awareness campaigns can educate the public about the importance of balanced diets and regular exercise. 4. Access to Health Services: Providing support groups, nutritional counseling, and affordable health services for weight management is crucial. 5. Policy Changes: Implementing policies that encourage physical activity and access to healthy food options can have a long-term impact.

Healthy Weight Loss Strategies[edit | edit source]

Young woman wearing loose jeans after losing weight

For individuals in Westchester County looking to lose weight, several strategies can be effective:

  • 1. Balanced Diet: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is vital. Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat items can also help.
  • 2. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities, is recommended.
  • 3. Behavioral Changes: Developing healthy habits, such as mindful eating and regular sleep patterns, can support weight loss efforts.
  • 4. Professional Support: Consulting healthcare professionals, dietitians, or joining weight loss programs can provide guidance and support.

Fast weight loss options Westchester County, New York[edit | edit source]

These are the fast and effective weight loss options for losing weight in Westchester County, New York.

1. FDA approved weight loss medications

2.Very low calorie diets

3. Exercise for weight loss

4. Correction of metabolic causes of weight gain

5. Bariatric surgery for weight loss

Telemedicine for weight loss[edit | edit source]

With advances in technology, telemedicine can be used to help patients lose weight and is available via W8MD medical weight loss centers of America with certain limitations. Weight loss appointments

Also see[edit | edit source]

Most populous counties[edit source]

These are the ten counties with the largest populations as of 2010.

  1. Kings County (Brooklyn): 2,504,700
  2. Queens County (Queens): 2,230,722
  3. New York County (Manhattan): 1,585,873
  4. Suffolk County: 1,493,350
  5. Bronx County (the Bronx): 1,385,108
  6. Nassau County: 1,339,532
  7. Westchester County: 949,113
  8. Erie County: 919,040
  9. Monroe County: 744,344
  10. Richmond County (Staten Island): 468,730
  11. Rockland County: 311,687

Cities and metropolitan areas[edit source]

The largest city in the state of New York and the most populous city in the United States is New York City, which comprises five counties (boroughs): Bronx, New York (Manhattan), Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), and Richmond (Staten Island). New York City is home to more than two-fifths of the state's population. Albany, the sixth-largest city, is the state capital.

Cities of New York with population and how to lose weight[edit source]

  1. New York City weight loss (population of 19,831,858 in the metro New York area.
  2. Buffalo-Niagara Falls weight loss (population of 1,135,509)
  3. Rochester weight loss (population of 1,054,323)
  4. Albany weight loss (870,716)
  5. Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley weight loss (population of 670,301)
  6. Syracuse (662,577)
  7. Utica-Rome weight loss (population of 299,397)
  8. Binghamton weight loss (population of 251,725)
  9. Kingston weight loss (population of 182,493)
  10. Glens Falls weight loss (population of 128,923)

Transform Your Life with W8MD Weight Loss Centers[edit source]

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a physician-supervised weight loss program at various locations including New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our centers provide expert medical guidance, accept most insurances, and offer telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?[edit source]

Book Your Appointment[edit source]

Start your weight loss journey today at our centers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and visit W8MD.com Call (718)946-5500

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD