Obesity Definition

Obesity is the increase in the fat content of the body. A person is considered obese when he is 20% above his ideal weight.

Body Mass Index BMI

Ideal body weight is the determined using the body mass index equation. Is determined by the square of the height in meter2. BMI= Weight (Kgs)/Height (m2) For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms with a height of 170 cm, the square of this height is 1.7 X 1.7 equals 2.89 and his body mass index will be 70/2.89= 24.2 kg/m2. Here, the normal BMI ranges between 21-25 kg/m2. Morbid obesity (when obesity starts to be disease producing) is a stage that starts when the BMI exceeds 40 kg/m2. To know your ideal body weight, see the following table. The table will also tell you when your weight is considered in the morbid obesity group.  

Cm / Kg ft / pound

Enter your height in centimeters and weight in kgHeight Weight

Enter your height in ft andweight in poundHeight in ft Weight in pound

Your BMI

Less than 19	UNDERWEIGHTYou are under optimum weight for your height. You could afford to gain a little weight.
20 - 25	NORMALYou have a healthy weight for your height.
26 - 30	OVERWEIGHTYou are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health problems, so losing some weight would be a good idea.
31 +	OBESEYou are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health risks, so see your doctor to help you achieve a healthier weight.

Why is morbid obesity considered disease producing?

At this weight obesity starts to cause many diseases

• Hypertension (High blood pressure)
• Diabetes.
• Coronary artery disease. (Heart blood vessel occlusion)
• Respiratory problems ( any where between breathing difficulties, snoring, asthma, and up-to respiratory failure)
• Gall stones.
• Chronic back pain and disc prolapse.
• Knee, ankle pains and degenerative joint diseases.
• Fertility problems (any where between irregular period, infertility, to major problems during pregnancy for the mother and baby.
• Dyslipedemia (high blood cholesterol and triglycerides).
• Some types of cancer are seen much more frequently in the morbidly obese
• Depression, social withdrawal, job failures and decreased self esteem are even more serious problems than all of the above diseases due to the damaging effect on the person's morale.