Nutrition and health sciences are constantly evolving. Later studies often seem to contradict earlier ones and it's sometimes difficult to know what to believe. Despite many contradictions however, a wide array of independent studies undertaken over the last few decades do confirm some conclusions regarding the relationship between excess body fat and associated health risks. The basic conclusion is that anyone who is considerably overweight is at higher risk for a number of potential health problems. These problems include various forms of heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer, liver damage, and gallstones amongst others.
What is “considerably overweight”? There is no static, ideal weight for any given individual, though there are various factors that provide a healthy weight range. One measurement that is a good starting point is the BMI, or Body Mass Index. To calculate your BMI, simply square your height in meters, and then divide your weight in kilograms by this number. In other words, use the formula:
Weight in Kilograms/(height in meters) X (Height in meters)The result will give you a number that will place you in the following rough classification:
Under 18.5=underweight Between 18.5 and 24.99=Normal weight Between 25 and 29.99=Overweight Between 30 and 34.99 Obese (class 1) Between 35 and 39.99 Obese (Class 2) Above 40= Extremely obese
For those on the lower end of the BMI scale, health risks are no more or only moderately higher than for the general population. This is of course barring extremely underweight individuals who may suffer from a number of associated problems. On the other hand, there is strong medical and scientific evidence that those individuals who are nearer the higher range of the BMI scale face higher health risks.
Abdominal obesity, characterized by having large fat deposits around the stomach and abdomen, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome. For women, a waist circumference of 35 inches or more is an indicator of abdominal obesity. For men, the measurement is 40 or more inches. Among other conditions, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and high cholesterol are also common factors associated with abdominal obesity.
Atherosclerosis, which is narrowing of the arteries, contributes to the possibility of a clot. This in turn can cause a stroke. Excessive body fat is one factor in producing that condition. At the same time, hypertension (increased blood pressure) is also indicated.
Rapid weight gain, from 10-20 lbs for the average person, increases the odds of developing Type 2 diabetes. Naturally, genetic factors do play a role however weight gain has been shown to increase the likelihood of this disease's onset. The risk is double that of an individual who has not had a weight gain, all other factors being equal.
Insulin resistance can also cause liver disease, and those who are obese are far more likely to develop insulin resistance then those whose weight is within normal limits. Many studies have correlated BMI with the degree of liver damage. According to this evidence, the higher the BMI, the greater the odds of liver damage.
Gallstones are also more likely to form in those who are obese. A rapid rise in BMI may be correlated with an increased incidence of gallstones. The interruption of breathing during sleep, known as sleep apnea, is another common condition that is linked to obesity.
Although no study is definitive, and there are many genetic and other environmental elements that play a role, excessive body fat is a substantial factor in health issues. Being overweight is not merely an issue of acceptable appearance, nor is maintaining your weight merely about self-esteem or confidence. Being overweight is a health risk. hindrance.
