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Four steps to a healthier you
Pleasanton residents seem to buck national trend of obesity

Pleasanton residents don't seem to reflect the growing obesity rates in the United States that have companies, health care workers and even the government discussing concerns about the physical and mental health effects and costs associated with weight gain. But according to a recent estimate, by 2030 - in less than 20 years - 65 million more American adults may be obese.

People seem to fight that trend in Pleasanton, as evidenced by walkers, runners and health clubs. If you still need to take responsibility for your own health and wellness, here are some steps to help you take charge of your weight loss, achieve your goal and become a healthier person:

1. Get moving. Being active can help weight loss and is critical to maintaining weight loss. Find an activity that you enjoy and include it in your daily activities. Also try exploring new activities that involve different muscle groups in your body. Pleasanton's Walk to Wellness group hosted weekly walks in 2011 at parks in Pleasanton. For information about upcoming events, call Ron Sutton at 580-5961 or email walks@WorldWalkToWellness.org. The city offers water aerobics year-round at Dolores Bengtson Aquatics Center on Black Avenue. See the schedule at www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/recreation/aquatics. If you prefer to stay indoors in the cold months, try yoga, a great exercise for body and mind.

2. Create a supportive environment. Talk with your family, friends and coworkers. Get people on your side to encourage and support you. Ask them to help you keep your goal a priority, and to provide constructive feedback when you meet difficult challenges that could potentially interfere with accomplishing your goal.

3. Talk with your doctor. Bring your doctor on board early on to help you set a goal and ensure you make healthy weight-loss decisions. Weight loss between 5 and 10 percent is shown to have significant health benefits and reduces the risks of diabetes and heart disease.

4. Re-evaluate regularly. As you go through your weight loss process, re-evaluate your personal motivation, and check in with your doctor, family and friends on a frequent basis to review how you are doing in accomplishing your goal. Continue to set small, attainable goals such as a 5 percent weight loss.

Being overweight is a condition that you can control. Getting support from others can help you successfully achieve your goals, lead to a healthier, happier you and start a new statistical trend for 2030.

--ARA content contributed to this story.