One of the most difficult problems facing patients today is obesity.  As America grows (heavier), so do the medical problems.  Some of the most common problems related to obesity are musculoskeletal and joint pain.  In order to compensate for the additional weight, the spine can be stressed unevenly and over time lose its natural curvature.  The extra weight in the abdominal area pulls the pelvis forward and strains the lower back, causing back pain. 

Overweight patients may experience sciatica or back pain from a herniated disc which occurs when the discs and other spinal structures are damaged from having to compensate for the pressure of extra weight on the back.  Degeneration in the discs and joints is accelerated by the additional weight.

The effectiveness of back surgery may also be affected by a patient's weight.  Obese patients are at higher risk for complications and infections after surgery compared to patients who are not obese.  For seriously overweight patients, paying attention to weight loss before undergoing back surgery may improve the healing process after surgery.

Weight Loss with Limited Mobility

Physicians often hear the statement, "I cannot lose weight because I cannot exercise".  Can a person lose weight without exercising?  Yes!  We gain weight if we consume more calories than the body needs or uses.  Weight stays stable when we eat just enough food to give our body the energy (calories) needed for daily activities.  When we eat fewer calories that the body uses, we lose weight.

One pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories.  Therefore, to lose one pound a week, you need to decrease your weekly caloric intake by 3500 calories or 500 calories a day.  While one pound a week does not sound like a lot, by the end of a year, the weight loss will equal approximately 50 lbs.  And that is without and additional exercising above and beyond normal daily activities.  This is a recommended weight loss program because it is attainable and sustainable.  Gradual weight loss promotes long-term loss of body fat, not just water weight that can be quickly regained.

To help you calculate your current caloric intake (the number of calories needed to maintain your current weight), you can go to www.caloriecontrol.org/calcalcs.html . After you enter basic information, the calculator will show your weight maintenance calorie needs.  Subtract 500 calories and the result will be the number of calories you could consume daily for your one pound per week weight loss goal.

A quick and easy method to find out how many calories you require per day to maintain your present weight is to multiply your body weight in pounds with 15 calories (15 x current weight). 

With your calorie goal calculated, you will need to monitor your intake.  Cutting calories may be as simple as eliminating one extra food item each day, or swapping a high-fat food with a low-fat item.

Identifying what you eat every day will help you eliminate items to cut from your diet.  For example, you could skip that bowl of ice cream you have before bed, eliminate a soda pop or glazed donut.