Local Physician Encourages Healthy Loss of Pandemic Pounds
7/15/2021
GADSDEN, Alabama, July 15, 2021 – Because the days are now longer and more of our community is opening up, a local physician is encouraging her patients to reverse the extra pounds they may have added over the past year of the pandemic. Shawn Morehead, M.D., a family medicine physician with East Gadsden Family Practice, says it’s a great time to get back on track with healthy habits and shed that extra weight.
“If you found the scale moving upward during 2020 into 2021, you are not alone,” states Dr. Morehead. “Most studies have shown that more than 50% of the population gained more than 15 pounds during the COVID pandemic. One in 10 people gained more than 50 pounds. With a significant percentage of the population now vaccinated against COVID, more opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activity are now available. It is a great time to reassess our health needs for improved nutrition and increased exercise levels. We know that obesity is linked to increased rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, but many people are unaware that being overweight is also a significant factor in certain cancers, arthritis, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Even a small amount of weight loss (5-10%) can result in long-term benefits to your health.”
A recent study by the University of California, San Francisco, confirmed what many of our scales and wardrobes have already shown us – lower activity levels and increased snacking and overeating have added up, and not for the better. The study found significant increases in weight of roughly a pound and a half gained per month following the shelter in place orders of last spring.
Even before the pandemic, CDC data from 2017-2018 showed that 35% or more of the adults in Alabama had obesity. Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
Extra pounds can increase your risk for many serious diseases and health conditions that are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Overweight can lead to high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high blood cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, many types of cancer and other concerns.
“Good nutrition is the key to healthy weight loss,” continues Dr. Morehead. “For weight loss to occur there must be an emphasis on fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat grains (lower calorie whole wheat or sprouted grain bread), sweet potatoes, smaller portion sizes as well as the reduction or elimination of highly processed foods (chips and snacks) and sodas. Physical activity assists in losing weight, but plays a more important role in maintaining weight loss and in improving overall health and fitness. Conditioning also functions to improve blood pressure, heart health, reduce cancer risk, and control diabetes. Additionally, fitness reduces falls, improves balance, and has a positive impact on mental and emotional health. It is important for physicians and patients to cooperate in determining best individual strategies for each person.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance include dietary changes, physical activity, behavior therapy, pharmacotherapy and surgery. Your primary care physician can help you determine what course of action can support your health objectives.
Dr. Morehead’s practice has put a number of precautions in place to ensure a safe environment for your appointment. These include masking of all patients and providers and enhanced cleaning of commonly touched surfaces.
If you need help finding a primary care physician, call 1-877-MyNewPCP or visit GadsdenPhysicianClinics.com to be connected with one of Gadsden Physician Clinics’ qualified family medicine, internal medicine, or gynecologic physicians.
Back