
Fellas! Are y'all alright? Let's keep this between us. I know you won’t mind if I brag on you and how well you're doing with your health and wellness journey. But hey, this is also the perfect moment to raise awareness about some health issues that affect men of all ages. It’s time to take action—don’t make me get all serious with you.
One of the most common (and preventable) health problems for men is being overweight or obese, which can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even some cancers. I’m going to share some of the important things you need to know about men’s weight and health and give you a few simple tips on how to get back on track (don’t worry, no extreme diets or endless workouts, I promise).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 70% of American men aged 20 and over are overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. You probably already know that BMI is a tool used to measure weight relative to height, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a good starting point for identifying weight-related health risks. Don't stress out over the numbers. Start somewhere, okay?
Now, let’s get to the not-so-fun part. Being overweight or obese can seriously mess with your health. Some of the problems that come with carrying extra pounds include:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Sleep apnea
Osteoarthritis
Gallstones
Erectile dysfunction
Low testosterone
Depression
Certain cancers (like prostate, colon, and kidney)
But here’s the good news (I knew you were waiting for it)! You don’t have to go on some crazy crash diet or sign up for a marathon to make a difference. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Plus, it can boost your mood, energy, sleep quality, sexual function, and—let’s be real—self-esteem.
So, while you might not be jumping on the next fitness craze, taking small steps toward a healthier weight could make a world of difference for your health and happiness. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to feel better in your clothes, right?
To Your Health, Cynthia
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