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

Those of us that live in the United States of America have a propensity to live a life that will lead to high blood pressure / hypertension. With the passing of years we have more and more of a chance of having the problem. Almost half of all in the senior age group in America have the problem. To make matters worse when you have hypertension you are five times as likely to have a stroke and three times as likely to suffer a heart attack and up to three times as likely to have heart failure.
At issue with hypertension is that about 1/3 of the people who have it do not even know, as there may be no pain involved directly. While it continues unnoticed it causes pressure that in turn causes damage to the blood vessels.
There is a lot of expert opinion that hypertension is not out of our hands or our control. There are things that can be done to stop or slow it like changing diet, reducing salt, losing weight and probably most importantly to start exercising.
Further, the diet that is most helpful is a low fat diet but by far exercise is greatly advantageous because just like many other parts of your body exercise works out your heart and strengthens it.
Exercise and Your Heart
What happens during exercise is that there are new paths are created between blood vessels so there is increased blood flow even though there may be damage in a particular area.
The experts have found out through study and through careful observation that although exercise is very good for the heart, it is a certain kind of exercise that is best. It is best for it be moderate and not too strenuous. That is the most effective at building the alternate channels for the blood to flow as we discussed earlier.
This sort of information has been around for a while and it has lead some to think that exercise is some sort of panacea for hypertension or heart disease but it is not. There are other risk factors and even the healthiest still have heart problems.
Hypertension – What is it?
Surprisingly sometimes a problem with the kidneys is the culprit. It is not very surprising that things like obesity, heredity and the lack of exercise are also. What can we do to maximize our chances of avoiding the development of hypertension?
Every person is different and each set of guidelines may need to be altered for the individual but there are some general tips that can help almost everyone. Let us look at a list of what may help.
1. Get Medical Advice
As with any change you decide that may be drastic and even dangerous depending on your condition, you should consult an expert. Doctors have spent their entire adult lives studying human health and disease and most can offer much in the way of guidance when it comes to making the kinds of changes necessary to be healthier in every way.
2. Go Slow
When you decide on whatever program is best for your level of health it is advisable to take the entry into the program slowly to give your system a chance to adjust.
3. Respect Your Limits
Figure out what is safe for you and use those guidelines for your degree of exercise. Indicators can include shortness of breath and sleep problems and others. Be alert and conscious of what is going on with your body and make necessary adjustments.
5. Maintain a regular Program
Along with determining limits on the amount of exercise, you need to find a comfortable schedule of 3 to 5 days a week to maximize the benefits of your conditioning. The conditioning of your heart requires regular and frequent repetition.
6. All Out Is Not Best
The best rate of exercise is around fifty percent of capacity. Just enough to slightly strain the system but not over burden it either.
To start out you may want to loose that extra weight and take that extra strain of handling those extra pounds away. For many years experts have known that being overweight will increase your risk of getting hypertension and the loss of the extra pounds will help you decrease that risk.

Tags: Health, Heart Condition, Hypertention, Prevention