Ninety-nine per cent of doctors surveyed agreed that that growing rate of obesity in America is a serious concern as it signals an increased risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease - the leading cause of death in America.

In fact 80 per cent of Americans admitted they had never discussed diabetes with their doctors and 61 per cent had never been screened for the disorder. Only 39 per cent of adults considered themselves overweight, according to interviews with nearly 1,400 doctors and patients. This was in contrast with a recent government estimate that more than 60 per cent of adults were overweight or obese in 1999.

Only about a third of overweight patients interviewed expressed concern about developing type 2 diabetes, which is a serious medical disorder more common among heavier individuals. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disorders, blindness, amputations and death.

Anti-Aging Perspective:

Sugar kills. There are no questions about it. The average consumption per person is 150 lbs. per year. From an anti-aging perspective, cut down sugar intake (refined sugar like cakes, ice cream, and flour) by as much as 90%. In coming years, you will see the tidal wave of type 2 diabetes hitting us. As it is, we are seeing diabetes in younger patients in the mid thirties while previously, it is predominately a disease of the elderly.

About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He is currently the Director of Medical Education at the Academy of Anti-Aging Research, U.S.A. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from  Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and  is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Lam pioneered the formulation of the three clinical phases of aging as well as the concept of diagnosis and treatment of sub-clinical age related degenerative diseases to deter the aging process. Dr. Lam has been published extensively in this field. He is the author of The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity (available on-line). He also serves as editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Research.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at http://www.drlam.com/. Feel free to email Dr. Lam at dr@DrLam.com if you have any questions.  

© 2001  Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.