Northwest Healthcare Dietitian Advises Patients on Losing 'Pandemic Pounds'
5/25/2021
Tucson, Ariz. (May 2021) –A Northwest Healthcare Registered Dietitian is encouraging men and women to lose those extra pounds they may have added over the past year of the pandemic.
“Know that you’re not alone when it comes to weight gain, especially in the past year,” said Rachel Deal, R.D. “With the arrival of spring, and many restrictions starting to be lifted now, it’s a great time to reassess daily habits and get back to a healthier lifestyle.”
A recent survey by the American Psychological Association of more than 3,000 people showed 61% of U.S. adults reported “undesired weight changes,” since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts say factors like stress, lack of exercise - due to gyms being closed, more snacking while working from home, increased alcohol consumption, all led to adding pounds.
“Those extra pounds can increase your risk for many serious diseases and health conditions like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, higher cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and other conditions,” said Deal.
Deal offers a few tips to get started working toward a healthier lifestyle:
- Start small. “We’re all stressed right now, so aim for one small change at a time,” said Deal.
- Lock the liquor cabinet. “Alcohol provides excess calories. You don’t have to give it up entirely, but drink more consciously.”
- If working from home, use your commute time for exercise. “If you don’t have to drive in, you can get get a little extra time moving around.”
- Reduce sedentary time. “Take regular breaks from looking at screens and plan to stand and move around frequently throughout the day.”
- Get support.
“Talk to your primary care physician, or see a registered dietitian who can really help you jump start your healthier lifestyle,” said Deal. “It is possible to make positive changes.”
For more information about the providers who practice with Northwest Primary & Specialty care, or to schedule an appointment online with a primary care provider, visit MyTucsonDoc.com
About Northwest Primary & Specialty Care
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care is a practice affiliated with Northwest Healthcare which includes Northwest Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita, and Oro Valley Hospital. Specialists include internal medicine, family medicine, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, gynecological surgery, neurology, sports medicine, breast surgery and podiatry. For more information about the providers who practice with Northwest Primary & Specialty Care, visit MyTucsonDoc.com.
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