What Are Overweight and Obesity?
The terms overweight and
obesity refer to a persons overall body weight and where the
extra weight comes from. Overweight is having extra body weight from muscle,
bone, fat, and/or water. Obesity is having a high amount of extra body fat. The
most useful measure of overweight and obesity is the body mass index (BMI). BMI
is based on height and weight and is used for adults, children, and teens. For
more information about BMI, see How Are
Overweight and Obesity Diagnosed?
Millions of Americans and people worldwide are
overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for many
diseases and conditions. The more body fat that you carry around and the more
you weigh, the more likely you are to develop
heart
disease,
high
blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and
certain cancers.
A persons weight is a result of many factors.
These factors include environment, family history and genetics, metabolism (the
way your body changes food and oxygen into energy), behavior or habits, and
other factors.
Certain things, like family history, cant be
changed. However, other thingslike a persons lifestyle
habitscan be changed. You can help prevent or treat overweight and
obesity if you:
- Follow a healthful diet, while keeping your
calorie needs in mind
- Are physically active
- Limit the time you spend being physically
inactive
Weight loss medicines and surgery also are options
for some people who need to lose weight if lifestyle changes dont
work.
Outlook
Reaching and staying at a healthy weight is a
long-term challenge for people who are overweight or obese. But it also can be
a chance to lower your risk of other serious health problems. With the right
treatment and motivation, its possible to lose weight and lower your
long-term disease risk.
May 2008
|