If someone were to make a public announcement that there’s a killer on the loose, most people would be afraid, take cover and try to protect themselves by any means necessary.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Although statistics have shown that obesity is one of the leading causes of death in both African Americans and Latinos.

The rate of obesity is on an incline and not showing signs of improvement in our youth as well as adults. Obesity has claimed its position as the silent killer, all while producing additional health risks such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

If we continue to disregard the constant threat to our nation, the number of deaths caused by obesity will continue to rise. As a person who has struggled with my weight for many years, I know all to well the affects that obesity has had on my life.

As I look back over the years, I think about how obesity has caused me to become depressed and very unhappy. My self esteem had reached an ultimate low, and I was no longer willing to defend the person who I once knew and had willfully accepted who I had become.

The communication among friends and family had become non-existent which led up to verbal abuse and finding myself in an unhealthy relationship. I could literally see myself deteriorating from the inside out, and intimacy was almost non-existent.

As time progressed, I was no longer able to identify with the person staring back at me in the mirror. I knew that I needed to do something! I tried desperately to pull myself up from this lonely place of depression; but it seemed almost hopeless.

Where was the person that I knew from way back when? I had become isolated from the outside world, cutting off the resources of survival and found myself further in trouble than I would care to admit. Most people who are obese can definitely relate to my story. I regret that I allowed myself to miss out on just enjoying everyday life.

Simple tasks became difficult to perform such as climbing stairs, playing games with my children or going to the beach were just a few things that I myself struggled with.

The health risks that are associated with obesity can be fatal. High blood pressure is known to rise as the body increases in weight and if left untreated, a stroke or heart attack would be the next level of progression. Obesity also continues to grow in prevalent among adolescents in the United States.

When it comes to children, they tend to lack structure and guidance which leads to poor eating habits or getting the recommended exercise to combat the problem. Commercials aide in obesity, showing foods that are not always good for you, but are readily available at arm’s reach.

I’ve learned to accept the fact that I’m overweight and the next step is to make a commitment to get fit and make a lifelong commitment to myself to live a long and healthier lifestyle.

Exercise is a major mood lifter and a great way to burn energy as well as a way to strengthen your bones which can also help you manage high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.