Understanding Obesity

What is Obesity?
Excessive weight is a serious problem in the United States.  It is estimated that 60% of adult Americans are overweight and 25% are actually obese.  There is an important distinction between the two. The term “overweight” means excessive weight caused by muscle, bone, fat, and water.   “Obese”, however, identifies a person carrying an unhealthy amount of body fat.  A muscular athlete, for example, may be overweight, but with a healthy amount of body fat, would not be obese.  The accepted standard among the medical community is that men carrying over 25% and women with over 30% body fat are obese.

There are several techniques to measure body fat.  Each has considerable room for error, though. Doctors have come to rely on the body mass index, or BMI, as the basis for judging obesity.  BMI is the relationship of height to weight, and is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms, by height in meters squared.  A BMI from 25 to 29.9 indicates an overweight person.  Anything in excess of 30 is considered obese.  A BMI of 30 or greater is an accurate predictor of future weight-related health problems. (See BMI chart below to find your BMI)

Your build may affect your likelihood of obesity-related health issues too.  Typical fat distribution patterns yield either a “pear” or “apple” shape.  Scientists have determined those with an “apple” shape may be more prone to obesity.  Waist measurements in excess of 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men may indicate this fat distribution pattern.  Doctors rely upon a waist/hip ratio to more accurately determine fat distribution.  To find this value, divide your waist measurement, at it’s narrowest point, by your hip measurement, at its fullest point.  Ratios of more than 0.8 in women and 1.0 in men indicate risk.

Causes
Weight gain occurs when calorie intake exceeds the amount burned.  Obesity happens when calorie intake is excessively greater than output.  Studies have shown there may be more than one cause of obesity.  Any of the following alone, or in combination, can lead to obesity:

• Family history of obesity
• High-fat dietary habits
• Low or no physical activity
• Binge eating disorders
• Illness such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, depression, and some neurological disorders
• Medications such as steroids or some antidepressants

Health Risks
Obesity is not just a matter of appearance and self-esteem.  It is a serious health threat.  280,000 adult deaths in the United States are attributed to obesity yearly.  The risk of numerous health issues is significantly greater for an obese person.  Obesity has been linked to the development of:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Cancer (men are prone to colon, rectal, or prostate cancer; women are prone to gallbladder, breast, uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer)
• Gallbladder disease, gallstones
• Liver disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Pulmonary problems, sleep apnea
• Reproductive issues (more likely for obese women)

Controlling Obesity
Obesity is not a death sentence; it can be managed.  Just as there is no single cause, reversing obesity depends upon the individual.  Treatment may include a combination of diet, exercise, and behavior modification.  In severe cases, gastrointestinal surgery may be prescribed.  No matter the cause, though, a qualified medical professional must be consulted to determine the safest method.

Body Mass Index (BMI)