Boomers eating their way to chronic diseases

There’s no getting around it: Obesity is a weighty issue for baby boomers.

Report after report finds that the number of boomers who are overweight or obese is on the rise, which is particularly distressing when you consider that many diseases and disabilities — including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis and hindered mobility — are associated with excess body weight.

In 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau found that an astounding 72 percent of older men and 67 percent of older women were overweight or obese. That translates into an aging population increasingly plagued by chronic illness.

Last year, a report issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control zeroed in on the overweight boomer generation, finding that nearly half of people ages 55 to 64 take a prescription heart drug and about one in five are dealing with diabetes.

Earlier this year, the United Health Foundation reported there will be about 55 percent more seniors during the next 14 years with diabetes than there are today.

Given that health care costs are about 2.5 percent higher than for those without problems, that’s not good news for the pocketbooks of boomers or for taxpayers funding Medicare, the government run health care system for seniors.

Lisa Contreras, a registered and licensed dietitian with Anders &Dunaway Nutrition Consultants in Las Vegas, says the good news is that changes in lifestyle today, which include a balanced diet and regular exercise, can still save many boomers from weight-related health problems.

Contreras notes that many of her clients are boomers who fail to realize that as they grow older they reduce their physical activity without decreasing their calorie intake.

She says just walking for 30 minutes three to five times a week — coupled with a diet rich in vegetables, lean protein and whole grains — can make a dramatic difference in an individual’s health.

She urges boomers to rely on health professionals to devise a long-term diet plan that controls portions.

Generally, she says, half a plate of food should consist of vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers. The other half should consist of whole grains such as pasta and rice and lean protein that includes grilled fish and lean beef.

A healthy diet, Contreras notes, allows favorite foods.

Moderation is the key.

Paul Harasim’s column runs Sunday, Tuesday and Friday in the Nevada section and Thursday in the Life section. Contact him at pharasim@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5273. Follow @paulharasim on Twitter.