Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health problems. The most common tool for determining if someone is obese is body mass index (BMI), which measures a person's weight in relation to their height.
Some key points about obesity:
- A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese for adults. BMI levels between 25-29.9 are overweight.
- Obesity rates have rapidly increased over the past few decades. Per the CDC, over 40% of American adults were obese in 2017-2018.
- Obesity is linked to conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, mental health issues, and certain cancers. It can seriously impact one's health and reduce life expectancy.
- Obesity is generally caused by a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors - it's not just due to personal choices. Things like a nutrient-poor/calorie-dense diet, lack of exercise, genetics, sleep issues, and food environment all play a role for many people.
- Losing just 5-10% of body weight can lead to considerable health improvements for those with obesity. Even small lifestyle changes can make a difference.
Obesity refers to having an unhealthy amount of body fat that raises the risk of other medical issues. It's determined using BMI, and rates have risen substantially in recent decades. Obesity is linked to many other chronic diseases and can seriously impact one's health and longevity if not properly managed.
What are the main causes of the obesity epidemic?
Widespread availability of high-calorie processed foods, increased portion sizes, more sedentary lifestyles and desk jobs, decline of home cooking, and excessive marketing for unhealthy foods all likely contribute to rising obesity rates. Genetics and other factors also play a role for some individuals.
How can you tell if you are obese?
As mentioned,
BMI over 30 is considered obese. You can use an online BMI calculator to get your number by entering your height and weight. Or ask your doctor.