Overweight and Obesity
If you have too much body fat, you are obese, just like over 70
million other Americans. It happens because you eat more calories
than you use, and your body converts the excess to fat. There are
lots of reasons that this can happen. Our lifestyle... More
If you have too much body fat, you are obese, just like over 70 million other Americans. It happens because you eat more calories than you use, and your body converts the excess to fat. There are lots of reasons that this can happen. Our lifestyle may lack exercise, we are given portions that are too big and too caloric when we eat, and some of us are just more efficient genetically at converting food into fat.
There is a standard measure of obesity called the Body Mass Index - BMI. If you have a BMI over 30, you're considered obese, and over 35 severely obese. The BMI isn't perfect. Athletes with lower fat and lots of muscle also score high. Being large around the waist is another indicator - over 35 inches for women or over 40 for men.
Many health problems are associated with obesity, so if you are overweight you should become informed and may need to take action. Less
Recently Answered
- Q Does lack of sleep contribute to obesity?
-
Not getting enough sleep has been linked to weight gain and obesity. Research from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that study participants who reported sleeping less than seven hours had a higher average body mass index... More
Research shows that the hormones that help regulate appetite are affected by a lack of sleep. This effect of increased appetite could lead to overeating. Over time, this may contribute to obesity, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.... More
Since sleep and appetite are linked, it's not surprising that poor sleep has also been linked to obesity. Researchers at Columbia University monitored weight over 10 years in adults in the United States. People who reported sleeping less than 7... More
- Q How bad is America's obesity problem?
-
One of the most disturbing aspects of America's obesity problem is the toll it's taking on children, says Dr. Judy Salerno, executive officer of the Institute of Medicine. Find out more about kids and obesity by watching the video. More
- Q What's causing America's obesity problem?
-
Dr. Judy Salerno, executive officer of the Institute of Medicine, says a variety of factors are causing the rising rates of obesity in the U.S. Find out what they are by watching this video. More
- Q What can our society do to solve the obesity crisis?
-
Dr. Judy Salerno, executive officer of the Institute of Medicine, believes the key to solving the obesity problem in the U.S. is to focus on making changes when children are young. For details, watch this video. More
- Q What are the healthcare costs of obesity?
-
In the U.S., the health care cost in dollars of obesity is equivalent to 1% of the country's total gross domestic product. These costs could rise two- or threefold over the coming years. If the rate of obesity rises as predicted, and 75% of Americans are... More
Estimates of the cost of the obesity epidemic are likely too low. Watch the video to learn what Dr. Judy Salerno, executive officer of the Institute of Medicine, feels is one way society can save money on obesity-related costs. More
- Q What should the government do to solve the obesity problem?
-
Dr. Judy Salerno, executive officer of the Institute of Medicine, says the government's role in the obesity problem is to protect those who are most vulnerable. Learn more by watching the video. More
