Obesity, now recognized as a medical disease, is a condition that is associated with having excess body fat. This condition is often caused by genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control.
Traditionally classified as having a body mass index of 30 or more obesity increases your risk of developing related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer or sleep apnea to name a few.
Many individuals are affected by obesity and are not aware.
Body mass index is a measurement used to indicate level of obesity and adults. This measurement is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. To calculate your BMI click here
Once your BMI is defined you will want to find the weight classification. Knowing your BMI is a good start in addressing your weight. If you find you were in an on healthy range you should meet with your doctor. Unfortunately there is not a different BMI chart for men or women. Both sexes use the same chart.
Waist circumference is a less common method with which obesity is identified. To evaluate whether you have obesity wrap a tape measure around your hipbone and below your rib cage. For women a way circumference of 35 inches or greater is considered unhealthy. For men a waste circumference of 40 inches or greater is considered unhealthy. There’s not a chart or range used with this method to determine obesity.
There are over 40 conditions associated with obesity. The most common of these include:
