"High Five" factors in overweight men impacts their energy and health: Building Healthier America

Sep 15 2009

For overweight men ages 45 and older, the "High Five" factors of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar/glucose, poor diet and low testosterone may be impacting their energy and health, sabotaging efforts to lose weight, according to Building Healthier America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the negative trends of overweight and obesity in the U.S.

Survey results of 2,000 overweight and obese men released today by Building Healthier America found that fatigue and low energy are the most commonly cited reasons they lack motivation to lose weight. Among these men, it was reported that only 1 percent discussed all the High Five factors at their last doctor visit. Diet, testosterone and blood sugar/glucose were the least likely factors to receive talk time.

"We know that there is a connection between a man's growing waistline and their likelihood of being impacted by one or more of the High Five factors," said Richard Kahn, PhD, Chief Science Advisor, for Building Healthier America. "We also know that the High Five factors, like low testosterone, can negatively impact energy levels, which can have an effect on men's overall efforts to lose weight."

To elevate the awareness of the negative effects the High Five factors can have on the energy and health of overweight men, Building Healthier America has launched an important health initiative to empower men who are willing to take control of their health in spite of their growing waistlines.

The High Five program offers a destination online at www.BuildingHealthierAmerica.org that highlights the signs and symptoms of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar/glucose, poor diet and low testosterone. The Web site also includes a printable "High Five Check List" that men can take with them to have informed conversations with their physicians about overweight and obesity. Men, or their loved ones, can share the checklist with others by sending them a "High Five" inviting them to view the information.

"As the number on the scale creeps higher each year, men should know the High Five factors," said Dr. Kahn. "Building Healthier America is pleased to offer new resources to men in an effort to have a greater chance of impacting their lives and the lives of their families.

Additional Survey Findings:

• Ninety-two percent of men were weighed at their last doctor visit, but less than 40 percent of doctors discussed weight with them
• The majority of men are not aware that being overweight or obese makes them more likely to have low testosterone; over 80 percent have not been tested for the condition in the past year
• Nearly 70 percent of men admit they should be putting a lot or a fair amount of effort into losing weight but only one-third are actually doing so
• Ninety-four percent of men would rather take inches off their waistline than any other part of their body, including the face
• Men report they are three times as likely to seek information about maintaining a healthy weight online than talk to their friends
• On average, men's weight has edged up by about five pounds per year

According to WIN - Weight Control Information Network NIDDK, approximately 133.6 million adults, age 20 and older, in the U.S. are overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight is higher for men (70.5 percent) than women (61.6 percent). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of adults who are overweight or obese has continued to increase. The Body Mass Index (BMI), the measurement tool used to determine excess body weight in individuals by calculating their weight and height, in an overweight individual is defined as a BMI of 25 or more, obesity is 30 or more, and morbid obesity is 40 or more.