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Obesity Advice
Someone who is obese has put on weight to the point that it could seriously endanger their health. Currently, obesity in the UK is increasing - over half of women, and about two thirds of men are either overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is a growing concern.
The health risks of obesity include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. The estimated cost to the country is 18 million sick days and 30,000 deaths a year. Deaths linked to obesity shorten life by nine years on average.
Many people now lead a sedentary lifestyle and eat more calories than they use - so it's more important than ever to be aware of the risks of becoming overweight.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way of calculating your optimal weight, allowing for your height.
It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.
The BMI metric formula is:
BMI = Your Weight (in kilos) divided by Your Height (in Meters) x Your Height (in Meters)
The pounds/inches BMI formula, is:
Your Weight (in pounds) x 704.5 divided by Your Height (in inches) x Your Height (in inches)
Alternatively, use this online Body Mass Index calculator.
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If your BMI is in the range 19 to 24.9 you have a healthy weight. |
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If your BMI is in the range 25 to 29.9 you are considered to be overweight and may incur moderate health risks. For example, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are all linked to being overweight. |
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If your BMI is 30+ you are considered to be obese. Obesity is associated with increased risk of cancer, heart disease and other health problems. A BMI of 30 and over increases the risk of death from any cause by 50 to 150 percent, according to some estimates. |
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If your BMI is 40+ you are considered to be seriously obese and at a very serious risk of health problems. |
The causes of obesity are not yet fully understood. Both genes and the environment play a role.
People are much less active nowadays, fatty and sugary foods are more accessible and average portion sizes have become larger.
There is currently a lot of research into weight-loss drugs. At the moment, these are mainly amphetamine based. They increase certain hormones in the blood to reduce hunger levels - but they can have unpleasant side effects are not suitable for long-term use. Similarly there are several dieting systems which promise spectacular results, but which should be approached with caution.
If you are seriously concerned about your weight, you should seek professional advice from a doctor or dietician. Permanent weight loss is likely to involve a change of lifestyle to include more exercise and eating a healthier diet.
National Obesity Forum
Find out about the dangers and treatment of obesity at BBCi Science
The Association for the Study of Obesity promotes research into the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.
The British Dietetic Assocation gives information on finding a registered dietician.
Visit UKOrbit's Consumer & Advice Centre for further help and information.
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