The United States is often considered the land of plenty. For many Americans, however, that also means plenty of extra weight. Obesity in the U.S. has become an increasingly alarming problem that causes multiple health risks. Understanding the nature of obesity and how to best fight it can help you avoid becoming just the latest statistic.
Defining Obesity
According to the National Institutes of Health, someone who has a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. The BMI -- or body mass index -- is a formula that compares height to weight in order to attempt to closely measure healthy weight. You can use a BMI calculator to determine your BMI based on your height and weight. The BMI does have certain limitations, including not taking into account people with high muscle content, like bodybuilders, or people who have unusually low muscle content, such as the elderly.
Obesity Statistics
According to the National Institutes of Health, over one third of all adults in the U.S. are obese. Approximately 35 percent of men and 32 percent of women in the U.S. are considered obese according to government standards. The cost of obesity in the United States is also significant. Someone who is obese pays an average of $1,429 more in health care costs than someone of normal weight. That's an increase of 42 percent.
Risks
The health risks associated with obesity are numerous. People who are obese run a higher risk of certain diseases and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, stroke, hypertension, certain forms of cancer, sleep apnea and more. According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity is linked to over 165,000 excess deaths per year, most of them related to cardiovascular diseases.
Tips for Obese People
If you're one of the 33 percent of U.S. people who is obese, there are steps you can take to reverse the effects and reduce your risk of disease and death. Talk to your doctor and come up with a sensible weight-loss plan that combines diet and exercise. Your doctor will be able to give you specific advice and recommendations based on any diseases or conditions you may have.
Don't try to do too much to soon. Even losing just 10 percent of your weight starting out can have a dramatic effect on your health. Set realistic weight-loss goals that allow you to lose weight at a healthy pace.
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