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Untitled Document

World Obesity Day

  1. Editorial On The World Obesity Day
  2. BMI In Indians
  3. Overweight - Obesity Facts

Overweight - Obesity Facts

  • Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health
  • Overweight is weighing more than normal, necessary or allowed, especially having more body weight than is considered normal or healthy for one's age or build
  • Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual's ideal body weight, which is associated with increased risk of illness, disability and death
  • The BMI (body mass index) is a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. The BMI describes the body weight relative to height, and so, it strongly correlates (in adults) with the total body fat content
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) defines "overweight" as a BMI equal to or more than 25, and "obesity" as a BMI equal to or more than 30. These cut-off points provide a benchmark for individual assessment but there is evidence that risk of chronic disease in populations increases progressively from a BMI of 21
  • Health risk increases progressively as BMI increases. Raised body mass index is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis) and some cancers (like endometrial, breast, and colon)
  • The non-fatal but debilitating health problems associated with obesity include respiratory difficulties, chronic musculoskeletal problems, skin problems and infertility
  • Childhood obesity is related with a higher chance of premature death and disability in adulthood
  • Obesity can run in families but how much of role genes play is hard to determine.
  • Obesity is largely caused by taking in more calories than are used up in physical activity and daily life
  • Physical activity and eating habits are major contributors to obesity but there are other elements to consider in evaluating causes of obesity like environmental factors, some illnesses like hypothyroidism, certain drugs like steroids, antidepressants, etc.
  • Weight gain in women over time is not healthy and is not a part of a natural aging process. The fact is that weight gain of more than 20 pounds is not a normal part of the maturation process and may actually increase a woman's risk of obesity-related disease
  • The fat distribution in body is identified among two types of obesity Android and Gynoid. Android obesity is male type obesity where excess fat is accumulated in the upper half of the body like the shape of an apple. Gynoid type of obesity has fat accumulation in the lower part of the body, seen on both the genders but more commonly in women, and is similar to pear shape
  • Overweight and obesity as well as their related chronic diseases are largely preventable
  • People can achieve energy balance and a healthy weight by limiting energy intake from total fats, limiting intake of excess sugars and shifting fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats; by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains; and by increasing their physical activity (at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days)
  • Obesity is also increasing rapidly throughout the world
  • WHO further projects that by 2015, approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and more than 700 million will be obese
  • Obesity is no more a health issue just in the developed nations. In developing countries, which were ones known for high malnutrition rates, are now also known for increasing obesity rates
  • Obesity is a disease that needs to be taken seriously. Obesity is a frightening health problem directly harmful to one's health and not just a cosmetic consideration any more
  • Arthritis is a disease of the old age�Arthritis does not affect children�Arthritis is found only in women�and many more myths are considered as characteristics of arthritis. But the fact is arthritis sufferers include men and women, kids and adults. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. More than half of those with arthritis are below 65 years of age.
  • To clear these myths, it is important that one is educated enough on the disease. And to create awareness and enlighten on arthritis, the World Arthritis Day is celebrated. It was established first in 1996 by ARI (Arthritis Rheumatism International). And thence, it is being celebrated each year on October 12th which happens to be Monday this year.



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