The majority of American adults are overweight or obese. According to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, 68 percent of adults over 20 are overweight and of those, 33.8 percent are considered to be obese. Many people are consuming more calories than they expend each day, which results in an increased pant size.
Body Mass Index
The Body Mass Index, BMI, was created as a quick tool to determine if your weight was healthy for your height. The BMI places you into categories based on a number. In order to find your number you must take your weight in pounds and multiply it by 703 and divide this number by your height in inches. Then you must divide this number again by your height in inches. This number will place you into either a healthy weight, overweight or obese category.
Overweight
The BMI uses categories to place you into your specific weight range. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the overweight range is between 25 and 29.9. A healthy weight is between 18.5 and 24.9 and an underweight is less than 18.5. Obesity is considered having a BMI over 30.
Men and Women
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease found that more men than women are overweight. A total of 72.3 percent of men are overweight, compared to 68 percent of women. However, 35.5 percent of women are obese and 32.2 percent of men are. Women who are in a healthy weight range make up 36.5 percent of the population and healthy men make up 26.6.
Potential Problems
Many health problems arise from being overweight or obese. Coronary heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea and even depression can be the result of having a high BMI. Making lifestyle changes like eating healthy and making regular exercise a part of your life can prevent these problems.
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