MISSISSIPPI’S BIG PROBLEM

By CAROL HUMPHREYS For the Daily Corinthian

Obesity is a big problem in Mississippi. According to the Mississippi Department of Health, one in five high school students struggle with being morbidly overweight. Overall, Mississippi is the most obese U.S. state with an obesity rate of 40.8 percent.

Although weight gain is largely a result of eating behavior and lifestyle, it can also be driven by genetics, hormones and even certain medications. Many people can overcome these biological and life choice factors with willpower, dedication and perseverance. Many succeed despite the odds stacked against them such as the easy availability of processed foods, food addiction, food costs and aggressive marketing.

There are those, however, who for years have tried every weight loss strategy possible including improving their diet and exercise habits … and still feel they’re fighting a losing cause.

Help for weight loss

Dr. Andy Holley is fascinated with the human body’s innate ability to heal itself quickly, especially when it relates to the digestive system. He specializes in general and bariatric surgery at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Though often considered a last option, bariatric surgery can produce a positive outcome for those struggling to lose weight.

“Most of my patients have tried and failed multiple exercise and diet programs. They’ve tried a variety of weight loss options including exercise, diet, medication, assisted therapy, etc. Though weight loss surgery should probably be an earlier option for those who have had obesity for too long, due to insurance guidelines it is usually later down the line surgery becomes an option,” explained the surgeon.

Many of his obese patients have weight related medical comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and even mental health problems associated with being overweight. Bariatric surgery is done to help them lose excess weight and reduce their risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems.

“There is no question the benefits are huge when getting their weight off,” said Holley, who has performed at least 110 bariatric operations at MRHC.

There are certain qualifications for bariatric surgery including having to be a certain size and having at least two medical comorbidities. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 with two medical comorbidities or a BMI of 40 with no medical comorbidities is usually required by most insurers for surgical intervention for weight loss. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

In addition to meeting certain medical guidelines to qualify for weight-loss surgery, prospective patients also go through an extensive screening process. They must also be willing to make permanent changes to live a healthier lifestyle.

The Holleys’ healthy lifestyle

After completing his surgical training at the Henry Ford hospital system in Detroit, Mich., Holley, 43, began working with the Magnolia Surgical Group at MRHC in 2014. The Itawamba County native and his wife, Selena, a dietitian, have a lot of incentive to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are the parents of six children, ages 16 to eight –AndiKate, Baker, Penn, Dovie, LeeLee and the youngest, Rorie.

“We have at least one child in each school of the Corinth School District,” the father said in amusement.

His wife and he have a routine of running 30 to 50 miles a week. They also do weight training a couple of times a week depending on what their schedules will allow. Their kids stay pretty active, too, whether

Holley advises THREE MAIN STEPS to maintain a healthy weight:

■ A healthy diet with the appropriate amount of calories for body mass – 18.5 to 24.9 BMI falls within the healthy weight range. Whatever someone weighs, making a few small sustainable changes to their lifestyle can improve health. Losing just a small amount of weight, 5-10 percent, and maintaining this weight loss can have a positive impact on overall health. Though it differs depending on age and activity level, adult males generally require 2,000-3,000 calories per day to maintain weight. To maintain weight, adult females need around 1,600-2,400 calories.

it’s doing yard work or other outdoor activities.

The importance of good health

The doctor stresses the importance of getting kids engaged in good health habits at a young age.

“It begins with the mom and dad, grandparents or whoever else is in a child’s life in providing the right example and environment to have success with maintaining a healthy body weight,” he said.

He noted people in the nation, state and community are getting larger because most folks have become less active and no longer hunting and gathering for food. Obtainable reserved food is available all the time and people are eating more while exercising less. As a result, their health is diminishing.

“Recommended diets depend on the individual patient but for the most part if someone is overweight they need a calorie-restricted, low-carb diet,” said the physician. “The main thing is calorie restrictions like decreasing portion sizes. Plus everyone needs to move more.”

The United States Surgeon General’s recommendation is to aim for an hour of exercise most days of the week which Holley thinks is appropriate. He recommends exercising at least four days a week, adding some of his patients need to exercise even more. The surgeon commented most people, especially those who are obese, should start with walking. Water aerobics or a stationary bike are also good options to begin exercising.

■ Daily exercise including any type of cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio” exercise – an exercise program should include cardiovascular exercise which strengthens the heart and burns calories. Favorite cardio exercises include walking, interval training, squats, lunges, push-ups and abdominal crunches. However, there is no magic element to exercise – just learn to work smart for a successful outcome.

■ Good sleep hygiene – good sleep habits increases chances of a restful sleep which in turn improves productivity, mental and physical well-being plus overall quality of life.

“The goal should be whatever exercise pushes an individual towards sweating and getting their heart rate up,” he said.

Though it takes hard work and even sweeping lifestyle changes, most people have the power to control their weight. For obese people who have tried without success to lose extra weight, there is help and support, including surgery. Bariatric surgery can help with excess weight and reduce the risk of serious weight-related health problems.

For others who are overweight, just making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and sticking to it, can make a seemingly impossible goal become possible.

Carol Humphreys has been a Corinth resident for 26 years and a writer for the Daily Corinthian and Crossroads Magazine since 1998.

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