Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with at least 2.8 million people dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In fact, overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. This includes all high-income and middle-income countries. Globally, 44% of diabetes, 23% of ischaemic heart disease and 7–41% of certain cancers are attributable to overweight and obesity.
Overweight and obesity are defined as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health”. Body mass index (BMI) – the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2), or by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703 – is a commonly used index to classify overweight and obesity in adults.
WHO defines overweight as a BMI equal to or more than 25, and obesity as a BMI equal to or more than 30.
Another way to assess your weight is to measure your waist size. Your waistline may be telling you that you have a higher risk of developing obesity-related conditions if you are:
• A man whose waist circumference is more than 40 inches
• A non-pregnant woman whose waist circumference is more than 35 inches
Excessive abdominal fat is serious because it places you at greater risk for developing obesity-related conditions according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Overweight and obesity is usually the result of an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. In other words, you are taking in more food, but not using all the food you take in. An increased consumption of highly calorific foods, without an equal increase in physical activity, leads to an unhealthy increase in weight. Decreased levels of physical activity will also result in an energy imbalance and lead to weight gain.
Obesity is a serious issue that can lead to health conditions such as:
• Coronary heart disease.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon).
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides).
• Stroke.
• Liver and Gallbladder disease.
• Sleep apnea and breathing problems.
• Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint).
A change in lifestyle will be in order if you are suffering from being overweight or obese, but these changes are not going to happen easily. You will need help to take the first steps. Talk with your health care provider to determine the best route to take to achieve healthier living.
