Is being overweight really wrong?
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by: alfitness
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Times have changed, and it is easy to forget that there once was a time when people mainly went on a diet to look good. This was usually in the summer, when beaches were beckoning and bathing suits were scrutinized in front of a full-length mirror. Only if the outfit was not flattering and unappealing bulges were showing, was an exercise regime approached. During those days, self-image was important and working out was the ultimate way to shape the body. Unfortunately, a round of golf or tennis did not always do the trick, and other more painful methods and diets had then be called upon.
Fortunately, our views on how to treat excess body fat have changed, and the problems being overweight can create are no longer considered to be solely of a cosmetic nature. By now, pretty much everyone knows that obesity can create serious medical problems, some with such a negative impact, they are compared to those caused by smoking.
Indeed, in the last few years, many health studies have concluded that, for example, in the United States, being overweight is the second-largest cause of preventable diseases, right after smoking. The research also indicates that too much body fat increases the risk of getting a number of devastating illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, stroke, or heart and gallbladder disease. In fact, every year 280,000-325,000 people who were too heavy, or obese, have died in this country from illnesses affected by overweight, and it raises the question: is there a way to monitor the risks of weight-related diseases?
Many helpful tools are available to those interested in their weight and physical wellbeing. BMI, or Body Mass Index, is one of them. Through a mathematical formula, an individual's body mass can be calculated.
- weight in kilograms ÷ (height in meters × height in meters)
- [(weight in pounds) ÷ (height in inches × height in inches)] x 703
The result is then compared to a universal BMI chart.
- 18.5 or lower = Underweight
- 18.5-24.9 = Normal weight
- 25-29.9 = Overweight
- BMI of 30 or higher = Obesity
Have no fear! If the formula is too confusing, many health and lifestyle websites offer free BMI calculators online. All you have to do is type in your weight and height and the program does the rest.
If the outcome of your BMI test is 25 or above, your risk for health problems is high and it would be best to consider a weight management program. Of course, that would be incredibly hard, living in an era where you can find a hamburger joint or pizza parlor on every street corner. Nevertheless, the statistics tell the truth, and it is not good. More than fifty percent of all adults in the United States are overweight, and 26% are labeled obese. That is an alarming increase of more than 50% in the last thirty years. The rates for children are not much better. Currently in the USA, 1 out of 3 children is considered overweight or obese. Fortunately, it is not too late! According to medical experts, with the proper tools and a bit of willpower, we can still turn things around.
About the Author
Australian Lifestyle & Fitness (ALF) offers free BMI Tools, such as a BMI calculator and articles about BMI to help you lose weight and keep it off.
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