HHS HealthBeat (August 20, 2009)

Obesity and women

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

More than one in three women are obese. And this raises their risks of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer.

This means obese women can lower their risk of these conditions – and in some cases, control disease – if they reduce their weight.

Proper eating and more physical activity is the way to a healthy weight. And, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kelly Pattillo advises:

[Kelly Pattillo speaks] "If you are trying to lower the number of calories you consume, in order to lose weight, you don’t have to go around feeling hungry. Eat foods that don’t have a lot of calories but can help you feel full – like salads, citrus fruits, and broth-based soups."

Additionally, protein in low-fat foods such as lean meats, fish and beans can make you feel more satisfied.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011