Obesity Definition

Nutrition and health science is constantly evolving, and it often seems as if the latest study contradicts earlier ones. It’s hard to know what to believe. But, over the last few decades, a wide array of independent studies has tended to confirm some conclusions about the relationship between excess body fat and associated health risks.

The basic conclusion is that anyone who is considerably overweight is at higher risk for a number of potential health problems. These include various forms of heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer, liver damage, gallstones and others.

But what is ‘considerably overweight’?

There’s no static, ideal weight for any given individual, though there are various factors that provide a healthy range. One measurement that is a good starting point is BMI (Body Mass Index). To calculate it, just divide your weight (in kg) by your height (in m) squared. The following table is a rough classification:

Under 18.5 = Underweight

Between 18.5 and 24.99 = Normal Weight

Between 25 and 29.99 = Overweight

Between 30 and 34.99 = Obese (Class 1)

Between 35 and 39.99 = Obese (Class 2)

40 and above = Extreme Obesity

For those on the lower end of the BMI scale, health risks are no more (or at most only moderately higher) than for anyone. Genetic and other environmental factors will outweigh any body fat or weight issues. But for those nearer the higher range, there is strong evidence that health risks are higher.

For example, abdominal obesity (having large fat deposits around the stomach and abdomen) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome. For women, a waist circumference of 35 inches or more (40+ in men) is an indicator of abdominal obesity. Among other conditions, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol are all common factors associated with that condition.

Narrowing of the arteries, atherosclerosis, contributes to the possibility of a clot which can cause a stroke. Excessive body fat is one factor in producing that condition. At the same time, it plays a part in increased blood pressure (hypertension).

Rapid weight gain, from 10-20 lbs for the average person, increases the odds of developing Type 2 diabetes. Genetic factors are fundamental, but weight gain plays a role, according to most studies. The risk is double that of an individual who has not had a weight gain, when other factors are held constant.

Liver disease, apart from that associated with excessive alcohol consumption, can be caused by insulin resistance. That resistance is much more likely among those who are obese. There are many studies which have correlated BMI with the degree of liver damage. The higher the BMI, the greater the odds of liver trouble.

Gallstones are more likely to form in those who are obese, and may be correlated with a rapid rise in BMI. Sleep apnea (interruption of breathing during sleep) is another condition commonly linked to obesity.

In short, though no single study is definitive, and there are many genetic and other environmental elements, excessive body fat is a substantial factor in health issues. Being overweight is not merely an issue of acceptable appearance, it’s a health risk.

Tags: Body Fat, Colon Cancer, Diabetes, Gallstones, Health Problems, Health Risks, Heart Condition, High Blood Pressure, Liver Damage, Overweight

Many medical professionals believe that obesity and heart disease are indirectly related. They contribute to significant risk factors for such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and arteriosclerosis to the degree of obesity of a given person. While obesity is a contributing factor for many of these health conditions studies are now suggesting that there is a more direct relationship between these diseases.
What is the Relationship?
Recent medical studies suggest that while obesity can affect many risk factors associated with the health of your heart the two also have a direct relationship in that obesity can be a predictive indicator of heart disease. In a fourteen year study it was indicated that middle-aged women with a BMI index of greater than twenty-three but less than twenty-five still had an approximate 50% increase in the risk of both fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease. This indicates a clear, direct connection between these two diseases.
Another factor that may suggest severe obesity and heart disease are more directly related is that of abnormalities in the left ventricular mass and function of the heart. While in the majority of cases, these abnormalities are seen in the presence of both hypertension and obesity there are recorded cases where these abnormalities are seen without hypertension being apparent. In these cases the only condition that appears to have a significant affect on condition of the heart is severe obesity. This information suggests that obesity and heart disease are directly linked and can definitely lead to heart failure.
Available Treatments
Since a connection either direct or indirect has long been established between obesity and heart disease, the medical profession has developed a number of methods over the years to positively impact these two related health problems.
In certain patients with congestive heart failure for instance it was determined that sodium reduction in the diet and even a small reduction in weight has the potential to dramatically improve the function of the heart leading to reduced risk of heart disease. In fact a number of studies have indicated that a drastic weight loss such as after gastro-intestinal surgery can greatly decrease the occurrence of each of these diseases as well as insulin based diabetes.
There are a number of methods available today to treat both obesity and heart disease. These can include changes in diet and exercise practices, medication, and sometimes even surgery. Only you and your doctor can decide what choice is right for you. Whatever method is chosen the connection between these diseases are becoming more clear everyday. With a little knowledge and a plan you can improve your health and have a positive impact on the nations obesity crisis.
To Your Healthy Heart!

Tags: Arteriosclerosis, Diabetes, Diet, Exercise, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Obesity

Being overweight can cause so many health problems. It does not matter what your age you are. Being overweight at any age is dangerous.And the weight you carry around your middle is really dangerous. Because it surrounds your major organs.And being overweight can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, Diabetes, Plus being overweight can put a strain on your joints for example your knee’s.

Being overweight can also cause stomach problems,heart burn, acid reflux,slower digestive,Intestinal problems.

Your self esteem goes down when your overweight, you get depressed, you have no energy, you have trouble breathing. All this because you are overweight.

And what about when you go out ? When you walk into that room and you are that overweight person, you know people are looking at you ,and saying why don’t she lose some weight ? People that’s never had a weight problem don’t know how hard it is to lose weight.

And when you are in a restaurant where there is a buffet,and your overweight. you can feel the eyes on you to see how high you fill your plate. Stop and think are all those cheese burgers, pizza, cakes and pies worth going threw this and putting your health at risk too.

Now that you have heard all the bad things about being overweight. Let’s hear what happens when you lose the weight. You get your waist line back. You get into those clothes you love. Your heart gets stonger. All the other health risk that come from being overweight lowers. You can breath better. Remember how you breath when your overweight,or let’s say barely breathing. Your knees don’t hurt like they did before. Your self esteem comes back. You look and feel great. The depression is gone. That smile comes back. You will also be an inspiration to others. (see how losing weight pays off )

Vision this! When you first start walking and you are that overweight person. At first it’s hard, then the weight starts dropping off. Then you start running even more weight comes off. Your neighbors have been watching. Maybe one of them is overweight, now they join you.

Then guess what happens when you go out. And you are not that overweight person anymore. You walk into a room and people look at you now for a different reason. You look great !!! People may even be a little jealous of you. And they watch you at restaurants so they can see what they need to be eating. You will feel so much healthier and alive. Wouldn’t it feel great not to be that overweight person anymore? www.myhealthieryou.com

Tags: Diabetes, Heart Problems, Overweight, Overweight Dangers, Weight Loss