Obesity Health Article

Definition

Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If you are obese, you have a much higher amount of body fat than is healthy or desirable.

Adults with a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) greater than 25 kg/m² but less than 30 kg/m² are considered overweight.

Adults with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² are considered obese.

Anyone who is more than 100 pounds overweight or who has a BMI greater than 40 kg/m² is considered morbidly obese.

Alternative Names

Morbid obesity; Fat - obese

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Consuming more calories than you burn leads to being overweight and, eventually, obesity. The body stores unused calories as fat. Obesity can be the result of:

• Eating more food than your body can use
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Not getting enough exercise

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may lead to weight gain, but usually only 5 - 10 pounds of weight. Some antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines may also contribute to weight gain and obesity. Genetic factors play some part in the development of obesity -- children of obese parents are 10 times more likely to be obese than children with parents of normal weight.

People who are at higher risk for obesity include:

• Lower income groups
• Former smokers
• People with chronic mental illness
• People with disabilities
• People with a sedentary lifestyle

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, eating habits, and exercise routine.

Skin fold measurements may be taken to check your body fat percentage.

Blood tests may be done to look for thyroid or endocrine problems, which could lead to weight gain.