What Is Obesity?

Obesity means an excessive storage of fat in the body. It can easily be detected by looking at a person. Obesity is commoner in developed countries compared to developing nations. However, this issue is becoming a world-wide problem now because, the rate of obesity is increasing in many developing countries.

Most of the people build up some body fat as they become older. Obesity simply occurs due to eating more than the need for a longer period. If you consume more calories than your daily energy expenditure, you will become overweight or obese with time. Not all obese individuals consume more than an average person. They are obese because of eating more compared to their need.


What is body mass index?

Body mass index (BMI) is really a measurement of the body shape depending on a person’s weight and height. BMI is described as the person’s body mass divided by the square of the height. Its value is globally presented in units of kg/m2 and is independant of age and sex. BMI offers a good indicator of your fatness or percentage of body fat. It can be used to assess the risks associated with your body weight. BMI also helps you to keep up your healthy body weight according to the height.

• BMI less than 18.5 : Underweight
• BMI 18.5 – 24.9 : Healthy body weight
• BMI 25 – 29.9 : Overweight
• BMI 30 – 34.9 : Obese (class 1)
• BMI 35 – 39.9 : Obese (class 11)
• BMI 40 or above : Obese (class 111)

It is better you to know your BMI value. If you already have a healthy weight, you should follow healthy ways to keep up your body weight. If you are overweight or obese, you should achieve healthy weight gradually. Otherwise, you are at risk of getting some health problems soon.


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Related Links:

Complications of Obesity
Obesity and Dietary Control
Tips for Diet in Obesity
Pharmacological Management of Obesity 
Medications for Obesity
Weight-loss Surgery for Obesity
Obesity in Children