Obesity is a disease involving an excessive body fat. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.
| BMI | Class |
|---|---|
| 18.5 or under | underweight |
| 18.5 to <25.0 | “normal” weight |
| 25.0 to <30.0 | overweight |
| 30.0 to <35.0 | class 1 obesity |
| 35.0 to <40.0 | class 2 obesity |
| 40.0 or over | class 3 obesity (also known as morbid, extreme, or severe obesity) |
Causes of Obesity
- Genetics, which can affect how your body processes food into energy and store fat.
- Growing older, which can contribute to less muscle mass and a slower metabolic rate, making it easier to gain weight.
- Insufficient sleep, which can lead to hormone changes that make you feel hungrier and crave certain high-calorie foods.
- Pregnancy.
Obesity Complications
Obesity can contribute to more than simple weight gain.
Obesity has been connected to a number of health complications, some of which can be life threatening if not treated properly:
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial)
- stroke
- gallbladder disease
- fatty liver disease
- high cholesterol
- sleep apnea and other breathing problems
- arthritis
- infertility
Obesity Preventions
- Exercise like walking, swimming, or biking for 20 to 30 minutes every day is essential.
- Eat nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Eating high-fat, high-calorie foods in moderation to prevent obesity.
Empowering Patients with
the Right Diagnosis:
