Your weight compared to your height determines obesity.  In order to determine who is and who is not obese, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is utilized.  A normal BMI ranges between 18 to 28.  If you are above the upper limit, you are classified as obese.  The more obese you are, the more health problems you may develop.

A BMI of 30+ is mild obesity, BMI of 40+ is morbid obesity and a BMI of 50+ is malignant obesity.  Malignant obesity is the most dangerous as heart attacks are more prevalent in this group.  If you are 40% overweight you have a two fold chance of dying a premature death than someone who has a BMI in the normal range.  Really, we are talking about life and death.

Obesity is simply defined as excessive body fat.  You will need to learn how to calculate your body fat to determine which range you fit in.  This will allow you to seek out medical advice.

Most people use a BMI table for adults.  The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s website also has a BMI calculator.  Either way, you will need to know your height and your weight.

There is a formula to figure out your BMI.  BMI = Weight (kg) / Height 2 (m) x 703.  If it is easier to measure you weight in pounds and then divide that number by  your height in inches squared, multiplying the result by 703, you will the answer to your BMI.  If your result falls between 25 to 29.9, you are considered overweight.  You are not yet obese by being at the upper limit of normal is a sign that you are slowly becoming obese.

There are three classes of obesity:

1. Class I obesity:      BMI of 30-34.9
2. Class II obesity:      BMI of 35-39.9
3. Class III obesity:      BMI of 40 and higher

Other classifications are mild, morbid and malignant.  A BMI of 30 and above is unhealthy for you which will increase weight related health problems.

What diseases are caused by obesity?  Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers of the gallbladder, uterus, cervix, ovaries, colon, rectum and prostate.  In addition you may experience symptoms of gallstones, osteoarthritis, gout, apnea, high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.  Your self esteem is compromised and there can be a host of psychological and social problems.

You eat too much and lead a sedentary lifestyle, those are the two causes that will lead to obesity.  Only you can decide what BMI numbers you want to see.  No one else can do it for you.  Your lifestyle should help you in keeping out of the obese range and allow you to lead a healthy life, without concern of future health problems.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Share This Post

2009 Is The Year To Finally Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

Get Up To 60% Off Of the Perfect Weight Loss Solution

Check Out How to Get Your Huge Discounts!