Obesity is one of the severe public health problems in the United States. It is a complex disease caused by many factors and requires lifelong treatment. WHO reports that more than 1 billion people worldwide are obese – 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children.
When it comes to weight, there is a big difference between being overweight and being obese. But what does that mean exactly? BMI (body mass index) measures body fatness and obesity. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
But what if you are borderline? Or what if you are not sure which category you fit into? Read on to understand the difference between overweight and obese and what you can do about it.
What is Overweight?
The American Medical Association (AMA) defines overweight as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.999 kg/m². BMI is the ratio of a person’s height in meters squared and weight in kilograms. Many of us wonder if being overweight and obese are the same.
If you are overweight, you have too much body fat about your lean body mass.
An overweight individual may suffer from high blood pressure or depression. A fat person will weigh more than the average for a particular age, sex, and height.
Overweight women also have a more challenging time getting pregnant and are more likely to have problems during pregnancy.
Read more: Can Being Overweight Cause Infertility: Why Does It Affect the Fertility?
What Are the Reasons for Being Overweight?
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history
- Certain medical conditions, diabetes, thyroid, and hormonal disorders.
- Certain medications
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
What is Obesity?
Obesity is an issue in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may hurt health. Body mass index (BMI) determines whether a person is overweight or obese. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
An obese person is at a higher risk of developing several severe health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
What Causes Obesity in Children and Adults?
- Consuming more calories than you burn
- Being physically inactive
- Eating large portions of food
- Drinking sugary drinks, such as soda
- Overeating fast food
- Genetics
- Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism
- Certain medications, such as steroids
- Psychological factors, such as stress or depression
Methods to Control Weight
- Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Limit your intake of soda, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages.
- Get active: Exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy weight.
- Manage stress: Stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
- Consult a nutritionist: A nutritionist can help you develop a healthy eating plan.
- Bariatric surgery: It involves making changes to your digestive system. This type of surgery is usually only recommended for people who are obese.
If you want the best bariatric surgery in Mexico, contact ALO Bariatrics. Our highly skilled surgeons can help you achieve your weight-loss goals.
