The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. The "Journal of the American Medical Association" (JAMA) published a study in its January 20, 2010, issue stating that the rate of obesity in America may be slowing, especially for women, but still remains high.
What is Obesity
The body mass index is measured by taking the weight in pounds, multiplying that number by 703 and then dividing the total by the height in inches squared.
For instance, a 5-foot 4-inch woman weighing 175 lbs would multiply 175 by 703 for a total of 123,025. She would then multiply 64 (her height in inches) times 64 (total of 4096) and divide 123,025 by 4096 for a total of 30.03. Her BMI is over 30, placing her in the obese category.
It's important to note that two people can have the same BMI but differing amounts of body fat. A bodybuilder with large amounts of lean muscle could have a BMI of 30 and not be obese.
Prevalence
The researchers in the JAMA study found that, while obesity rates are leveling off, obesity in America is still high. The study found that in 2007-2008, the overall prevalence of obesity was 33.8 percent. The obesity rate for men was 32.2 percent overall and for women, it was 35.5 percent overall. The prevalence of both overweight and obesity combined was 68.0 percent overall, 72.3 percent among men, and 64.1 percent among women.
Causes
The CDC states it plainly: "Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity." They also go on to say that a number of factors are involved in obesity, including "genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture and socioeconomic status."
Dr. Philippe Froguel, co-author of a study published in the Feb. 4 issue of the journal "Nature" states, "Obesity is definitively a genetic trait, and it is very likely that additional small chromosomal abnormalities exist that may dramatically increase the risk of obesity and may also be linked to brain developmental problems."
Another study, published in the December 2009 issue of "Health Education & Behavior," found that women's attitudes towards food weighed heavily in their risk for obesity. Women who were "impulsive eaters" and "guilt-ridden dieters" were the most likely to fall into the obese category.
Health Risks
The Weight-control Information Network (WIN), part of the National Institutes of Health, states that obesity can lead to a number of health-related illnesses including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and certain types of cancer. Other weight-related illnesses include gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, pulmonary problems, and even reproductive disorders.
In addition to serious medical conditions, obesity can cause psychological suffering as well. People who are obese may suffer from low self-esteem, shame, guilt, depression and prejudice in the workplace.
Solutions
WIN suggests a combination of diet, exercise, behavior modification, and possibly weight-loss drugs to combat obesity. The Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs for weight loss in the United States. Because healthy weight loss is a lifelong endeavor, crash dieting or extreme weight loss programs are not recommended.
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