What is Obesity?
If someone is obese, it means they are seriously overweight as a result of having too much body fat.
In adults, the exact level of obesity is determined by reference to the Body Mass Index (BMI). A score of 30+ on the BMI indicates mild obesity. Types of severe clinical obesity include morbid obesity (BMI 40+) and malignant or super obesity (BMI 50+). At the extreme end of the scale is super-super obesity (BMI 60+).
Child obesity is measured differently. It is based on BMI-for-age, and is assessed in relation to the weight of other children of a similar age and gender.
Central or abdominal obesity, now classified as an independent risk factor for some serious diseases, refers to excessive fat around the stomach, abdomen or middle.
Obesity, especially morbid and super obesity, has been linked to raised incidence of premature death as well as several serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and stroke.
|
 | Obesity is also a risk factor in higher rates of certain types of cancer, as well as fatty liver disease, vascular disorders, thrombosis, obstructive sleep apnea, musculoskeletal problems and gastroesophageal reflux.
Abdominal obesity is associated with insulin resistance syndrome and cardiovascular disease. But if you are very overweight, do not despair. Losing even 5-10 percent of your body weight can cause a significant improvement in your health.
|
