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What does it mean to be overweight? Overweight refers to an excess of body weight, up to 20% above ideal body weight. Obesity refers to an individual being more than 20% above ideal body weight. Normally, this means an excessively high proportion of body fat, as well. However, it is possible to be "over-fat" but not necessarily "overweight" and it is possible to be "overweight" but not necessarily "over-fat." This all depends on the proportion of fat and muscle composition in the body compared to the total body mass. Health professionals use a measurement called body mass index (BMI) to classify an adult's weight as healthy, overweight, or obese (see the BMI chart, "Are You at a Healthy Weight?"). BMI describes body weight relative to height and is an indirect measure of body fat. These were calculated by first looking at the research data on BMI and how it relates to relative risk of death. The BMI's associated with high death rated were noted and the range of healthy BMI's were determined. The research showed that healthy BMI's range from 19 to 25, 25 to 29 implied "moderate overweight," and any number higher signaled "severe obesity." Although some are still debating these categorizations, the bottom line on the Harvard study's findings was that a sharp rise in the risk of death occurred when the BMI reaches 27 and greater. Although one should strive for a BMI in the healthy range of 19 to 25, this is of utmost importance if there is a family history of heart disease and cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high sugar, or a high percentage of belly fat. Excessive fat in the abdominal area has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other problems.
Table 1 - Calculating One¡¯s Body Mass Index |
To determine one¡¯s BMI, follow this 4-step formula: |
Step 1. |
Multiply one¡¯s weight in pounds by .45 Example: 150 pounds x .45 = 67.5 |
Step 2. |
Multiply one¡¯s height in inches by .025. Example: 5¡¯9", or 69 inches x .025 = 1.725 |
Step 3. |
Multiply the answer from Step 2 by itself. Example: 1.725 x 1.725 = 2.976 |
Step 4. |
Divide the answer from Step 1 by the answer from Step 3. Example: 67.5/2.976 = BMI of 22.7 |
If the value is between 19 and 25, this is a healthy range. If the value is higher, losing weight is important in improving one¡¯s chances for good health. | |
Obesity, once thought by many to be a moral failing, is now often classified as a disease. The NHLBI (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) calls it a complex chronic disease involving social, behavioral, cultural, physiological, metabolic, and genetic factors. Although experts may have different theories on how and why people become overweight, it is the general consensus that one is healthier the more ideal the weight is and the key to losing weight is a simple message: Eat less and move more. One's body needs to burn more calories than one takes in.
Many individuals have a very difficult time reducing their caloric intake without the assistance of a supplement that actually suppresses the appetite. In the supplement industry today, there are many aids that claim to assist one in reducing cravings and appetites, as well as other supplements that claim to help increase their metabolic rates, and still other supplements that claim to burn up the sugars, fats, and carbohydrates better. Who should one believe, what really works and why? Before we review the current weight loss industry, we would be remiss if we did not look at where the industry started and how we evolved to the point that we are at today. |