More people are overweight today
than ever before.
One
in four British adults is obese, according to
the UN Food and Agriculture Organization , prompting fears that the UK has become the “fat man of Europe ”.
The
UK has the highest level of obesity in Western Europe, ahead of countries such as France ,
Germany , Spain and Sweden
Obesity levels in the UK
Unfortunately, the problem has
become much more common in children, too.
What
is the difference between being overweight and being obese?
Being
overweight or obese are both terms for having more body fat than what is
considered healthy. Both are used to identify people who are at risk for health
problems from having too much body fat. However, the term "obese"
generally means a much higher amount of body fat than "overweight."
Everyone
needs some body fat for energy, heat insulation, and other body functions. But
having too much can lead to serious health problems.
The more body fat you have, the
greater your risk for diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and other
problems.
How do I know if I'm overweight or
obese?
The
most common way is to figure out your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a quick and
simple way to help identify people who are overweight or obese. It allows you
to compare your weight to what is considered "normal" for an adult
with your same height.
How
is BMI calculated?
In adults:
BMI
is calculated from your height and weight. To find your BMI, simply fill your figures
on the link above.
A
BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight
A
BMI of 30 or more is considered obesed.
It
is important to note, however, that BMI estimates body fat. It does
not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people with muscular
builds, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as being
overweight even though they do not have excess body fat.
In children and teens:
To
find your child or teen's BMI, ask your healthcare provider.
BMI
for children and teens is calculated differently than it is for adults. This is
because children are still growing, and boys and girls mature at different
rates. The child or teenager's height and weight is compared against growth
charts that take age and sex into account. The result shows how a child or
teenager's BMI-for-age percentile compares with other boys and girls of the
same age.
Does it matter where the excess
weight is located?
Yes.
If
your excess weight is mostly around your middle (apple shape), you are more
likely to develop health problems than if the weight is around your hips (pear
shape).
The
greater your waist size, the greater your health risk.
What kinds of health problems can
develop from being overweight or obese?
Being
overweight or obese can cause serious health problems, including:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
High cholesterol
Stroke
Certain types of cancer
Gallbladder disease
Arthritis
Breathing problems
Kidney disease and kidney failure.
Can being overweight or obese
increase my risk for kidney disease?
Yes.
If
you are overweight or obese, you have a greater chance of developing diabetes
or high blood pressure, which are the leading causes of kidney disease and
kidney failure.
What causes overweight and
obesity?
People become overweight or obese
from eating more calories than they burn up.
Some
things that may lead to this imbalance include:
Poor diet / Poor food choices
Lack of exercise
An inactive lifestyle (spending a
lot of time watching television, playing video games, working on a computer,
working late hours at the office, driving rather than walking).
A
family history of being overweight or obese.
Children
whose parents eat high-calorie foods and are inactive tend to learn these same
habits.
Genes
also play a role. They affect how much fat we store, and where it is stored.
Oversized
or "supersized" food portions.
Negative
emotions like boredom, sadness, or anger, which may influence eating habits.
Can I improve my health by losing
excess weight?
Yes.
Experts
agree that even a modest weight loss can help prevent or control many health
problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The
closer you are to a normal weight, the greater the health benefit.
What should I do if I am overweight
or obese?
Speak
to your Nutritionist about a weight
loss program that is right for you.
New
research shows that a weight loss program should include three components to be
successful — diet, exercise, and
behavior modification.
Your program may include:
Diet.
A
steady weight loss of about one pound a week is the safest way to lose weight.
Regular exercise such as brisk
walking, running, swimming, dancing or yoga.
The
amount of exercise needed to lose weight is different for everyone.
Behavior modification techniques
such as:
Keep
a food diary of everything you eat.
Shop
from a list and do not shop when you're hungry.
Take
a different route if you usually pass by a tempting fast food place.
Think
Smart!
Eat
and Lose Weight Smart!
With
Me!
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