Defining obesity
- People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. The term “obesity” is used to describe the health condition of anyone significantly above his or her ideal healthy weight.
- More than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults are obese.
- Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death
Causes & Contributing Factors
- Obesity results from a combination of causes and contributing factors, including individual factors such as behavior and genetics.
- Behaviors can include dietary patterns, physical activity, inactivity, medication use, and other exposures.
- Additional contributing factors in our society include the food and physical activity environment, education and skills, and food marketing and promotion.
Health Consequences
People who have obesity, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- All-causes of death (mortality)
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver)
- Low quality of life
- Mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders
- Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning
Adult Body Mass Index (BMI)
- BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
- For adults over age 20, BMI values of:
• Less than 18.5 are considered underweight.
• 18.5 to less than 24.9 are considered normal weight.
• 25.0 to less than 29.9 are considered overweight.
• 30.0 or greater are considered obese, or about 30 pounds or
more overweight.
• Extreme obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or greater.
- For adults over age 20, BMI values of:
- A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. BMI can be used as a screening tool but is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.
- To calculate BMI, see the Adult BMI Calculator or determine BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart
Prevention
There is no single or simple solution to the obesity epidemic. It’s a complex problem and there has to be a multifaceted approach.
Healthy living:
The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t short-term dietary changes; it’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.
- Assessing Your Weight:BMI and waist circumference are two screening tools to estimate weight status and potential disease risk.
- Healthy Weight:A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. Visit the Healthy Weight Website; learn about balancing calories, losing weight, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Healthy Eating :Healthy eating habits are a key factor for a healthy weigh
- Physical Activity Basics:Physical activity is important for health and a healthy weight. Learn about different kinds of physical activity and the guidelines for the amount needed each day.
- Tips for Parents:Learn about the seriousness of childhood obesity and how to help your child establish healthy behaviors.
Local programs:
- Farmers Market Match: By accepting SNAP (EBT/foods stamps) and offering Market Match program we aim to decrease the access barriers to fresh, healthy food!
- Grant County Farmers Markets : Farmers markets and local farms throughout Grant County offer a variety of seasonal, delicious, locally-grown food.
- Physical Activity
Additional Resources