Obesity
Obesity is an "abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that presents a risk to health." There are several ways to measure a person's body fat percentage, including waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, skinfold measurements, and body mass index (BMI). Obesity increases the risk of serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, and certain cancers. Common treatments for obesity include healthy eating and physical activity.
Understanding Obesity
Special Reports
Key Terms
- Morbid Obesity
Someone with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or who weighs 100 pounds or more above their body weight, is considered morbidly obese (also called severely obese or class 3 obese). Morbid obesity is associated with higher risks of disease, shorter life expectancy, and lower quality of life. BMI is a tool used to diagnose obesity, despite its flaws.
- Overweight
Being medically overweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9. If you’re overweight, you may be at increased risk of certain health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
- Physical Activity
Physical activity can be exercise or “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Regular physical activity may improve numerous aspects of your health, reduce your risk of certain diseases, help you feel more energetic, and control your weight.
- Weight Gain
Weight gain means getting heavier. While it can be a sign you’re taking in more calories than you’re expending, some weight gain is natural due to aging, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, fluid retention, and certain diseases. However, rapid weight gain without an obvious cause may be a symptom of serious illness. Be sure to contact your doctor if you suddenly gain weight and don’t know why.
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, the American Medical Association (AMA) defines obesity as a disease that stems from a complex mixture of factors including genetics, environment, and behavior. It’s considered an epidemic in the United States, with more than a third of the population estimated to be obese.
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You’re generally considered obese if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight by your height squared. However, that number doesn’t take into consideration important factors such as muscle mass or frame size. Your doctor should consider the number in the context of your overall health when determining whether you’re obese.
Learn More The BMI Controversy -
Obesity is caused by an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended, although some people are more predisposed to obesity than others.
Factors that contribute to obesity include:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High added sugars intake
- Inadequate sleep
- Some medical conditions
- Some medications
- Genetics and family history
Learn More Obesity Causes and Risk Factors -
Obesity is mostly preventable with a healthy lifestyle:
- Eating a balanced, portion-controlled diet
- Being active
- Finding healthy outlets for stress
- Getting enough sleep
While this is especially important for those with a family history of obesity, medical conditions that contribute to weight gain, and other risk factors, everyone’s health can benefit from these strategies.
Learn More How to Prevent Obesity
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