Thinner Me!

Did you start the New Year off with some resolutions for improved health? Exercise a little bit more, eat healthier, or lose weight? If you are like most of us, making the resolution was the easy part; sticking to it will be a little more difficult. Don't worry we are here to support you in your efforts for improved health!

One of the most common health resolutions that I encounter concerns weight loss. I hope that you will find the questions and answers listed below helpful if your resolution is to become more fit and lose a few pounds in 2003.

How significant a problem is overweight and obesity, especially among African American women?

Overweight and obesity are at epidemic proportions in the United States. Approximately 1 out 3 U.S. adults are obese and 2 out of 3 are overweight. The problem is even more severe in the African American community. Approximately 66% of African American women over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. These numbers are much higher when compared to Mexican American or White women.

What is the best way to approach to weight loss?

There isn’t one perfect weight loss approach that works for everyone. Most experts would agree, however, that weight loss and weight maintenance should employ the combination of a low calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavior modification.

Behavior modification is very important as visible and accessible food items are often cues for unplanned eating. Behavior changes can make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived.

How quickly should I expect to lose weight?

Rapid weight loss from crash diets is usually not sustained. Slow, steady and sustained weight loss is the way to go. Weight should be loss at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week based on a caloric deficit of between 500 and 1,000 calories per day. You have to take in fewer calories than you expend (through exercise and activity).

If you have a health question for Dr. Pryor email
DoctorOnCall@Blackweekly.com

About David P. Pryor M.D., M.P.H.

David P. Pryor, M.D., M.P.H. is an Associate Medical Director for WellPoint Health Networks based in Thousand Oaks, CA. A native of California, Dr. Pryor received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stanford University and completed his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and also has a Masters in Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, he is the Founder and President of BlackWomensHealth.com, a leading web site for African American Women’s health since 1999.

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