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If you are obese, it means you carry more body fat than is considered to be healthy for your height. Many healthcare providers use body mass index (BMI) to screen for obesity. Someone who is obese has a BMI of 30 or higher.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 41.9 percent of people in the United States are obese. More middle-aged (44.3 percent) and older adults (41.5 percent) are affected compared to younger adults (39.8 percent).
People who are obese have a higher risk of numerous conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular issues, including high cholesterol, lower levels of HDL [good] cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease
- Multiple types of cancer, including that of the colon, rectum, endometrium, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder—as well as breast cancer in women who have been through menopause
In June 2013, the American Medical Association declared obesity to be a disease requiring multiple interventions for treatment and prevention. These can include behavioral modifications, medications, and possibly surgery.
You probably know that overeating and a lack of physical activity contribute to obesity—but there are other risk factors that may not be as apparent.
Sources: MedlinePlus. Obesity. Last updated Novem... + 27
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