What is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex disorder. It is caused by multiple factors, both environmental and inherited, including excessive calorie and food intake, decreased physical activity and genetic influences. The formula for weight gain is fairly straightforward, however. You gain weight when you consume more calories (energy) than your body uses or needs.
What’s the difference between being obese and being overweight? The defining characteristic in both overweight and obese people is excess body fat. The difference is a matter of degree.
Twenty-one percent of the nation’s population is considered obese.
Obesity is a chronic, life-threatening disease
Obesity shortens life expectancy
Obesity is associated with many comorbidities (severe health conditions)
Obesity leads to significant medical, psychological, social, physical, and economic difficulties
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity is caused by an energy imbalance. Our genetic make up has not changed since the stone ages. Our genes require us to burn more calories than we consume in order to remain healthy and fit. However, today’s modern society affords us a copious supply of food and many labor-saving technologies which can virtually eliminate the need for physical activity
What Is My Body Mass Index?
The term BMI is often used when discussing the obesity epidemic, but what is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. BMI can be calculated with simple math using inches and pounds, or meters and kilograms. For adults aged 20 years or older, BMI falls into one of these categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
Approximately 3 to 5 % of the United States population has severe obesity
Always consult a physician before starting
any diet or fitness program.
