According to World health Federation there are 400 million adults worldwide who are obese and one billion who are overweight. Children are getting fatter too. Worldwide, 17.6 million children under five are estimated to be overweight.
Obesity means excess body fat. It is different from being overweight, which means weighing too much. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Both terms mean that a person's weight is greater than what's considered healthy for his or her height.
Factors that might affect your weight include your genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods, not being physically active and some hormonal problems.
Being obese increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and some cancers. If you are obese, losing even 5 to 10 percent of your weight can delay or prevent some of these diseases.
There is no ideal weight as such, for every person his/her weight depends on their fitness level, health and physique.
Obesity is diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. Your body mass index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared.
BMI Weight status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Normal
25.0-29.9 Overweight
30.0-34.9 Obese (Class I)
35.0-39.9 Obese (Class II)
40.0 and higher Extreme obesity (Class III)
If your BMI is in the obese range, your health care provider will typically review your health history in detail, perform a physical exam and recommend some tests.
These exams and tests generally include:
• Taking your health history:
weight history, weight-loss efforts, exercise habits, eating patterns, what other conditions you've had, medications, stress levels and other issues about your health.
• A general physical exam: This includes also measuring your height; checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; listening to your heart and lungs; and examining your abdomen.
• Calculating your BMI: Your doctor will check your body mass index (BMI) to determine your level of obesity.
• Measuring your waist circumference: Women with a waist measurement (circumference) of more than 35 inches (80 centimeters, or cm) and men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches (102 cm) may have more health risks than do people with smaller waist measurements.
• Checking for other health problems: such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Blood tests: Tests may include a cholesterol test, liver function tests, a fasting glucose, a thyroid test and others.
All weight-loss programs require changes in your eating habits and increased physical activity. The treatment methods that are right for you depend on your level of obesity, your overall health and your willingness to participate in your weight-loss plan.
Other treatment tools include:
• Dietary changes
• Exercise and activity
• Behavior change
• Prescription weight-loss medications
• Weight-loss surgery
Consult Nutritionist at Aadil Hospital for counseling, diet plan and treatment.