Obesity
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial chronic
disease involving environmental (social and cultural),
genetic, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and
psychological components. It is the second leading
cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Obesity is a disease that affects
nearly one-third of the adult American population
(approximately 60 million). The number of overweight
and obese Americans has continued to increase
since 1960, a trend that is not slowing down.
Today, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about
127 million) are categorized as being overweight
or obese. Each year, obesity causes at least 300,000
excess deaths in the U.S., and healthcare costs
of American adults with obesity amount to approximately
$100 billion.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical calculation
used to determine whether a patient is overweight.
BMI is calculated by dividing a
person's body weight in kilograms by their height
in meters squared (weight [kg] height [m]2) or
by using the conversion with pounds (lbs) and
inches (in) squared as shown below, This number
can be misleading, however, for very muscular
people, or for pregnant or lactating women.
Calculating BMI
Weight
(lbs) ÷ height (in)2 x 704.5 = BMI
Being obese and being overweight are not the same
condition. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese
and a BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
There are many factors that impact
a person's health risk relative to their BMI such
as a waist size, smoking, the types of foods someone
eats regularly, exercise, and medical conditions
associated with obesity including diabetes, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary
heart disease.
What are some health consequences
of being overweight or obese?
Overweight and obese individuals (BMI of 25 and
above) are at increased risk for physical ailments
such as (NIH pp.12-20; Stunkard p. 224)
- High
blood pressure, hypertension
-
High blood cholesterol, dyslipidemia
-
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes
-
Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance
-
Hyperinsulinemia
-
Coronary heart disease
-
Angina pectoris
-
Congestive heart failure
-
Stroke
-
Gallstones
-
Cholescystitis and cholelithiasis
-
Gout
-
Osteoarthritis
-
Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems
-
Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast,
prostate, and colon)
-
Complications of pregnancy
-
Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual
irregularities, infertility, irregular ovulation)
-
Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
-
Uric acid nephrolithiasis
-
Psychological disorders (such as depression,
eating disorders, distorted body image, and
low self esteem).
Help! I have a loved one
that needs help with his or her weight.
Many individuals have approached their loved one
regarding his/her weight problem, with no success.
It may be helpful when talking with your loved
one, to have a third party present that is professionally
trained and knowledgeable about overeating and
obesity.
Addiction Intervention Resources
moves your family out of crisis and assists in
addressing your loved one’s weight problem.
To read more information on our Intervention Programs, Click Here or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158