Dangerous Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity
There is no disputing the facts about being over weight and obese. Being over weight is a serious condition that will undoubtedly lead us down the road to sickness, disease, and an early death. Research has shown that as our bodyweight increases to the levels referred to as “overweight” or “obesity,”* the risks for the following conditions also increases:1
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver and Gallbladder disease
- Coronary heart disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Liver and Gallbladder disease
- Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
- Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
*Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
To quickly check your own body mass index
Use this Free BMI Calculator
Defining Overweight and Obesity
Overweight and obesity are just terms or labels for ranges of bodyweight. When body weights reach a certain level there becomes an elevated risk factor that is greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems. They could easily also be called or referred to as Sickness and Disease.
Definitions for Adults
For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.
- An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
- An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
See the following table for an example.
| Height | Weight Range | BMI | Considered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ 9″ | 124 lbs or less | Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 125 lbs to 168 lbs | 18.5 to 24.9 | Healthy weight | |
| 169 lbs to 202 lbs | 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight | |
| 203 lbs or more | 30 or higher | Obese |
It is important to remember that although BMI correlates with the amount of body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat.
Other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include measurements of skinfold thickness and waist circumference, calculation of waist-to-hip circumference ratios, and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Be sure to use our body mass index calculator to see where your health stands today. If neccessary then make changes to get your health back on track before its too late. Do not wait until major sickness stikes, be pro active in preventing disease and controlling your health.