Obesity in America

Obesity in America has reached epidemic proportions.  In 2007-2008, approximately 72.5 million adults in the United States were obese based on measured heights and weights.  This number poses both a national health threat and a major public health challenge.

Obesity increases the risk for many serious chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 Diabetes, certain types of cancers as well as premature death.  It is also associated with a reduced quality of life, social stigmatization and discrimination.  Not to mention the costs associated with obesity in America.  In 2006, the medical costs associated with obesity in America were estimated at as much as $147 billion dollars.

Obesity in America can be attributed to many different factors including our love of fast food and our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.  However, for many Americans, obesity is an unfortunate consequence of poor dental health.

People who are missing teeth or who are wearing dentures are often forced to change their diets to eliminate fiber-rich, nutrient dense foods that are hard to chew.  They replace these foods with high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods that are easier to chew.  The result is a diet that is not balanced and that can lead to obesity.

Dental implants provide a permanent tooth replacement system that enables patients to eat a healthy, balanced diet and to chew with confidence.  If you have changed your diet due to missing teeth or dentures, contact an oral surgeon today to get more information about this revolutionary tooth replacement system.  You will be glad you did!