Experts have advice for maintaining healthy weight Published Sept. 25, 2013 By Airman Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Increase in workload, stress, pregnancies and just plain laziness can all factor into tipping servicemembers into the slippery slope of bad eating and fitness habits, and eventually becoming overweight and not "fit to fight." Multiple diseases, sluggishness and your overall appearance are side effects of being overweight. Just a few of the illnesses and diseases a person could receive from being overweight or obese are high blood pressure, type two diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, infertility, back pain, skin infections, ulcers and gallstones. Al Bromley, 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron exercise physiologist, said the biggest negative effect of being overweight, especially for military members, is self esteem issues. The way an Airman should look in uniform should be professional and represent the Air Force well, which servicemembers can't do if they are overweight and can't fit into their uniform properly. Making healthy meal and snack choices is a big part of maintaining or obtaining a healthy weight. Bromley recommends planning meals in advance. Christine Cooley, 375th AMDS health educator, advises people who are struggling with weight to sit down and to be honest about what can be worked on. She said sometimes food diaries, or listing what their daily food intake is, can help. Cooley said, "Don't think of it as a diet, but as a healthy eating plan." Modern technology is also helping people manage their weight. Websites and apps are available on smart phones to help people keep track of their daily caloric intake. Physical activity is also a very important part of weight loss. Bromley recommends people do some type of movement every day. It doesn't always have to make you sweat either. Sometimes all people have to do is walk a dog, mow the grass or clean the house. To help stay motivated and accountable, many people have a workout partner to exercise with on a regular basis, or go to a re-occurring exercise class. The HAWC also offers a "Better Body, Better Life" five week class series. All Scott personnel are invited to come to the class and learn about healthy choices. It is offered to everyone at the Scott clinic. An exercise physiologist and a clinical psychologist will be there to also give their input and help individuals work on exercises and behavior modification. The chapel staff has also gotten involved to help with stress management by offering meditation classes. Strength training, pain-free running and other running clinics are also available for Scott personnel. For more information about classes or to get help to manage weight, contact the HAWC at 256-7139.