To avoid disease

Sixth grader Larrell Johnson has a strong reason for controlling his weight. 

Both of his parents have diabetes. If a person is overweight, they’re more likely to develop this serious disease. Also, diabetes can cause other health problems.

So, last year, Larrell went to see Dr. Michael Railey at Saint Louis University for advice. 

The doctor gave some simple advice: eat less, eat healthier foods, don’t snack between meals and exercise more. But, he said it was important to stick with your plan.

Larrell, who is 12, said he didn’t have much trouble quitting junk food. He admits his eating habits were “pretty random.” 

Now, he eats only three meals a day, along with an afternoon snack of fruit after school. 

He also said he’s stepped up his exercise. He has a basketball hoop in his backyard. Also, his father, Larry, bought him a workout bench so he can lift weights. 

Also, he’s increased his running in the neighborhood. That helps burn more calories. 

Larrell went to see the doctor last year. At that time, he weighed about 180 pounds. Although he has grown since then, his weight now is about 170. 

“When I went back to school last fall, several of my friends noticed that I’d lost weight,” he said. Others in the neighborhood also noticed the weight loss. 

Last month, Larrell had another family reminder about the value of controlling weight. 

His mother, Vicki, had taken a stress test. It indicated possible blockage of arteries leading to the heart. Then, she suffered chest pains. She went to the hospital for another heart exam. Although this one didn’t indicate blockage, it was another health scare. 

Recent health statistics indicated Americans are getting fatter and fatter. They eat more and exercise less. Doctors worry this trend could mean lots of health problems as people get older.

Controlling weight helps people avoid a wide variety of health problems. Sometimes the health problems come when people are young. Larrell’s mother developed her diabetes when she was only 23. 

Both Larrell’s mother and father have to take insulin to control their diabetes. 

Larrell said he doesn’t see any reason he can’t continue his weight control program throughout his life. 

He plans to increase the amount of fruit he eats and step up his exercise even more. “I definitely want to work out more. I already do a lot of running,” he said. 

Doctor Railey is the type of doctor who does more than just tell a patient what to do. He follows his own advice. 

Over a year ago, he decided he was overweight. He went on a diet and stepped up his exercise level. The plan worked. He lost weight. He said it definitely made him feel better. 

He said controlling your weight requires a change of mental attitude. You have change the foods you eat. You also have to avoid fatty foods. You have to make exercise more important in your life. 

For Larrell, changing the way of life is doubly important. Both of his parents already have diabetes so it’s likely Larrell could develop the same disease. If he loses weight, he improves his chances of avoiding diabetes as well as other health problems.