I’m in the middle of studying for finals, so I don’t have a ton of time to blog:( I thought it would be a good time for Valerie Johnston from Healthline.com to drop some knowledge on y’all.
The Health Effects of Those Experiencing Obesity & Weight Loss
Being overweight, or obese, is a label for a range of weight that is greater than the amount that is typically considered to be healthy for any given height. The term obese can also identify the range of weight that is known to increase the likelihood of specific weight related diseases or other health conditions. For adults, obesity ranges are usually determined by taking the individual’s weight along with their height and calculating the two into the BMI (body mass Index) number. The BMI number is used as an effective tool that helps correlate the amount of body fat held by that individual.
BMI Ranges
As an example, any person that has a calculated BMI of between 25 and 29.9 falls into the category of being overweight. Additionally, anyone that has a calculated BMI of 30 or greater is classified as being obese. While BMI ranges work well for adults, children and teens that are known to be above the normal weight for their age, size, and height follow different labels. Calculated into a child’s BMI range is the natural tendency to accumulate body fat at varying ages in both girls and boys.
Obesity & Weight Loss
Weight loss is often considered to have a positive effect on reducing many of the symptoms and conditions associated with being obese. Although a person may be experiencing obesity, weight loss must be acquired correctly, to ensure the health of the individual as they eliminate excess pounds and inches.
When left untreated, obesity can create a variety of medical diseases that can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, gallstones, diabetes, and a variety of other chronic conditions. Obesity is often difficult to treat and is known to have a high relapse rate. More than 95% of every individual that loses weight tends to regain it within the next five years.
Although many diets and medications can help, the treatment for obesity requires something more than a short-term “fix”. It must take a lifelong commitment by developing proper diet habits and following an increased level of physical activity including routine workouts and exercise.
The typical goal of any treatment should be the way to achieve and maintain a much healthier weight, and not necessarily a level of weight loss that appears to be “the ideal”. Studies indicate that even modest weight loss of up to 10% of the initial weight along with a long-term maintenance program, can produce significant health benefits by diminishing the risk of heart disease and diabetes and lowering blood pressure.
A Support System
A support system is essential to guarantee that the person that is overweight can continue on their path of eliminating pounds and inches. Many of the long-term successes of weight loss have been enhanced by a strong support system, advice from the doctor, and following a team of professionals including exercise trainers, psychologists, and dietitians.
Defining a level of obesity is typically based on the information one gathers from professionals or on the Internet. In its very essence though, obesity or being overweight can be classified as any weight that is greater than what is generally considered to be healthy. While it is important to use body fat to store energy, as a shock absorber, and for heat insulation, too much weight can cause chronic conditions that are extremely unhealthy to the individual in the long run.
It is known that in the United States alone, the major population has reached epic proportions of obesity with well over two thirds of all adults being obese or overweight. Even more so, obesity in children has significantly increased. The numbers indicate that near 25% of the total of children in the US are either obese or overweight.
Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.