What is Obesity?
Obesity refers to body weight that is greater than what is healthy for a person’s height. Obesity is measured by the body mass index (BMI) that is calculated based on your height and weight. The more body fat and weight above what is normal makes it more likely to develop the following:
- High blood pressure
- Breathing problems
- Angina (chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart)
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallstones
- Certain types of cancers
- Type II diabetes
- Depression
- Osteoarthritis (joint disorder)
- Sleep apnea
As we age, our body’s physiology slows down and organs don’t function as efficiently as when we were younger. Being obese is going to have an even bigger impact on our body’s ability to function. The heart has to work even harder to pump blood for obese seniors.
If you provide elderly home care for someone who is obese, speak with the physician or a dietitian to advise a plan that can help with weight loss. Get support from family members and friends to decide the best course of action to manage care for someone who is obese.
Make an appointment to meet with a nutritionist and come up with a diet plan. Having a plan of action, a diet to follow, and people who can help prepare the healthy meals or snacks is a big encouragement to a person trying to eat better and lose weight.
Keep track of calorie intake. It is recommended by the FDA that the average person consume 2,000 calories each day of foods consisting of dairy, meats, breads, fruits, and vegetables. They also recommend drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day. It is a common mistake people make to confuse dehydration and hunger. Weigh yourself once a week and keep a record.
Exercise is going to play a big part in the daily routine for a person who is obese. However, this can be challenging due to the extra weight they are carrying. It is important to discuss an exercise plan that is right for the individual. Start out slowly and be patient and positive.
The main thing to remember when providing elder care to an obese individual is to set realistic goals. Reducing weight by five to ten percent every six months is considered sufficient enough to reduce the risk of diseases or health complications.
For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain living independently in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are an elder agency providing quality and affordable elder care in La Jolla CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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