More than a quarter of all Americans -- 26.7 percent, to be precise -- were obese as of 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the number is rising. To find out if you're among the ranks of the obese, calculate your body mass index.
BMI
Body mass index is a measure of body fat and is one way to indicate whether you are at a healthy weight. To calculate your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703 and then divide your answer by your height in inches. Divide your answer by your height in inches again to get your final BMI value. You can also plug your numbers into a variety of online BMI calculators.
BMI & Morbid Obesity
If your BMI is anywhere from 30 to 39.9, you are obese. You are severely obese -- also called morbidly obese -- if your BMI is 40 or above, or, alternatively, if you are more than 100 pounds overweight. You are overweight with a BMI between 25 and 29.9. You are in a normal weight range if your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, and underweight with a BMI below 18.5. BMI calculations may not be totally accurate for everyone, as they do not take into account more muscular builds. Different criteria are used to determine if children are at a normal weight, so talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your BMI or your child's.
Health Problems
Untreated morbid obesity can lead to medical problems that include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, depression, and certain types of cancers such as breast and colon. According to an article in "The New York Times", people with morbid obesity may gradually develop hypoxemia, a condition in which your blood carries less oxygen; or sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing periodically while you sleep. These two conditions can lead to more serious side effects, including high blood pressure, and right-sided heart failure.
Treatment
If you are obese or morbidly obese, a doctor can offer you the help and support you need to lose weight. Your doctor will take your medical history, including information about whether you have family members who are also heavy. Your doctor can also perform tests to determine if you have any thyroid disorders contributing to your weight gain, and what you can do to start to lose weight.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; B Sherry, PhD, et al; Aug. 3, 2010
- MedlinePlus: Body Mass Index; Linda J. Vorvick, M.D.; July 3, 2010
- MedlinePlus: Obesity;David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz; Oct. 12, 2010
- MayoClinic: Obesity; Oct. 9, 2010
- "The New York Times" Health Guide: Morbid Obesity; June 3, 2005
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About BMI for Adults; July 27, 2009
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