Consequences of overweight for health
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Osteoarthritis
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high concentrations of total cholesterol or high triglycerides)
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Diseases of the gallbladder
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon).
Although one of the national health objectives for the coming years is to reduce obesity, current data indicate that the situation is getting worse rather than better. Then we will provide a variety of information designed to help people understand this serious health problem and efforts being made to address it.
Definition of overweight and obesity
Overweight and obesity are two labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have shown an increased risk of certain diseases and other health problems.
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called “Body Mass Index” (BMI). The BMI is used by most people to calculate their body fat.
The BMI is a measure of weight given person in relation to height you have. Although no distinction is made between components non-fat and fat components of total body mass, this is the procedure most often used to value the risk associated with overweight and obesity.
- Between a BMI of 25 to 30 emphasizes an increased risk. People with this weight are characterized by individuals with overweight or overweight.
- A BMI of 30 to 35 is considered mild obesity.
- A BMI of 35 to 40 represents moderate obesity.
- A BMI value above 40 is considered morbidly obese person.
- Below 20 kilograms per square meter stand higher rates of lung trouble, and even malnutrition. In this range may include those persons who, for example, suffer from anorexia nervosa.
Therefore we emphasize that the ideal BMI is between 20 to 25 kilograms per square meter. It is important to remember that although BMI correlates with body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people such as athletes, can have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they have no excess body fat.
Other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include measurements of skinfolds and waist circumference, calculation of waist-hip circumference ratios, and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
In addition, the BMI ranges for children and teens are defined so as to take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls, and differences in body fat at different ages.
Risks of Obesity
The BMI is only an indicator of potential health risks associated with being overweight or obese. In assessing someone’s likelihood of developing overweight or obesity, or heart-related diseases, lung and blood, we recommend that you seek other determinants:
- The circumference of the waist of the individual (because abdominal fat is a determinant of risk for obesity-related diseases).
- Other risk factors for the individual is the predisposition for diseases and conditions associated with obesity (eg high blood pressure or physical inactivity).
Tags: anorexia nervosa, body fat, Lose weight, obesity, Overweight, Risks of Obesity
