Obesity

The Difference Between Obesity And Being Overweight

The obesity rate in America is rising. With so much talk about this epidemic, many are confused about the difference between being obese and being overweight. Is it the better to be overweight or obese? Is there really a difference? Although both can have adverse effects on health, there is a difference between being overweight and being obese.

The difference lies in just how much extra weight you are caring around. This is most easily measured by calculating your body mass index. The body mass index is a calculation that involves dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters) squared. A person who is has a body mass index between 25 and 29.9 is categorized as overweight. Obesity is classified as a BMI of 30 and above. This means that a person is more than 20 percent above their normal weight. Morbid obesity is a body mass index of over 40 or being 50% to 100% above normal weight.

It is important to note that a person with a high body index may not necessarily be overweight or obese. An athlete or bodybuilder will have a high BMI because of a high percentage of muscle mass as opposed to a high percentage of fat, which an elevated BMI traditionally indicates.

There are several possible causes that lead to being overweight or obese. Usually weight sneaks up on you while you're trying to take care of a family or deal with the latest life crises. A combination of poor food choices along with an absence of physical activity contributes to weight gain. Other factors that contribute to obesity are age, gender, genetics, medication, emotional issues, and medication.

A person has to be overweight before they become obese. If you are overweight, it is important to take steps now to gain control of your weight so that you do not become obese. It will be easier to get those 30 pounds off now than it will be to get off 60 pounds a year from now. For an obese person, getting to overweight status is a good thing. It is a step in the right direction and can be a motivation to keep up the hard work to get back down to a healthy weight. Often losing the weight involves a lifestyle change that is easier to plan than it is to put into action. It is hard work, but the results are well worth the effort.