Obesity can simply defined as being seriously
overweight as a result of too much body fat.
It can be precisely determined by using the body mass index
(BMI), which compares the height to weight. One can calculates his/her
BMI by dividing his/her weight in kilograms by his/her height in
meters.
For instance:
If a person is 5 feet and 4 inch and weights 134, then his/her
BIM is calculated as follow:
Step I: Multiply weight in pounds by 703
134 * 703 = 94202
Step II: Take the square of the height in inches
(1ft=12in) 64 in ² = 4096
Step II: Divide
step I by step II
94202 ÷ 4094= 23
BIM= 23
*People, such as bodybuilders and athletes with a
lot of muscles can be classified as being overweight. However, they
are not considered obese due to less amount of body fat.
What causes obesity?
Genetic- studies show that individuals
whose parents are obese have a higher risk of becoming obese because
genes determines an individual body shape, by no means his/her weight.
However, a change of lifestyle, medication, or surgery can help that
person defy this genetic condition.
Fatty Foods- such as hot dogs, big macs,
French fries, chips, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream are all high
on fats
Lifestyle- Lack of exercise and consuming
foods that have high calories and fats.
Metabolic rate- a person whose metabolism
is slow have a higher chance of storing excess calories in the form of
fat.
Psychology- one tends to overeat due to
feelings of rejection, depression, and stress.
Obesity and disease
Obesity is one factor of many insidious diseases,
such diabetes,
heart diseases, high
blood cholesterol (LDL), hypertension,
and stroke. It is also associated as one of the cause of certain types
of cancers: gallbladder,
uterus, cervix, and ovaries
How is obesity treated?
- Maintain
a healthy body weight.
- Do
not smoke.
- Exercise
regularly (20-30 minute daily).
- Weight
loss medication
- Maintain
a healthy diet.
- In
some severe cases surgery.
