Obesity is an increasingly worrying problem around the globe. As more and more people pile on the pounds the problem is only going to get worse. In the UK it is believed that 20% of men and 25% of women are obese and that 30,000 people die every year from obesity related illnesses.
The medical profession use a value known as the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether a person is the right weight for their height. A BMI chart is shown at the top of this post. To calculate your BMI you need to take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in metres squared. People with certain BMIs are classified as follows:
The medical profession use a value known as the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether a person is the right weight for their height. A BMI chart is shown at the top of this post. To calculate your BMI you need to take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in metres squared. People with certain BMIs are classified as follows:
- BMI <>
- BMI 20-25: Normal weight for their height.
- BMI 25-29.9: Overweight for their height.
- BMI 30-39.9: Obese.
- BMI > 40: Morbidly obese.
People who fall within the normal weight category live the longest on average. People who are overweight live noticeably shorter lives on average. The BMI calculation assumes the subject has a normal body build and may not be accurate for a person who is particularly muscular.
People who are overweight are at significantly greater risk of developing the following medical conditions:
People who are overweight are at significantly greater risk of developing the following medical conditions:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Heart disease.
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Sleep problems.
- Some types of cancer.
The best way of dealing with obesity is a combination of regular aerobic exercise and a balanced diet. If you are obese or have a pre-existing medical condition you should always consult your doctor before embarking on an exercise program. The current recommendation is five 20-30 minutes sessions of vigorous exercise each week. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling are particularly beneficial. There is no quick fix and you will only loose weight if you remain motivated and committed to a healthier lifestyle.
If you are unsuccessful with exercise and diet you should consult your doctor. There are medications available that can help with weight loss, although you should only considered in the case of someone who is obese, unable to exercise or as a last resort.
Methyl cellulose is a fibrous chemical that can be taken with water an hour before you eat. The cellulose fibres swell thereby reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold, meaning less calories are ingested. Many medical professionals question the effectiveness of methyl cellulose as a treatment, although it seems to work in some cases and has no real side effects. Orlistat is a prescription medicine which blocks fat absorption in the gut again reducing a person's calorific intake.
In very extreme cases of obesity surgery may be the only option.
© Insider Health
If you are unsuccessful with exercise and diet you should consult your doctor. There are medications available that can help with weight loss, although you should only considered in the case of someone who is obese, unable to exercise or as a last resort.
Methyl cellulose is a fibrous chemical that can be taken with water an hour before you eat. The cellulose fibres swell thereby reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold, meaning less calories are ingested. Many medical professionals question the effectiveness of methyl cellulose as a treatment, although it seems to work in some cases and has no real side effects. Orlistat is a prescription medicine which blocks fat absorption in the gut again reducing a person's calorific intake.
In very extreme cases of obesity surgery may be the only option.
© Insider Health
