Learn more about the definition of obesity and what it means for your health.
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What Is Obesity, and How Is It Calculated?
Obesity is calculated by comparing a person’s weight to their height.
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This is a calculation known as thebody mass index.
Thus, the data do not reflect modern life.
It also ignores sex, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other important factors.
For that reason, athletes often have a high, sometimes even obese, BMI.
In recent years that term has been dropped to combat stigma around obesity.
What Is Childhood Obesity?
Obesity Rates
About 4 in 10 American adults have obesity.Learn more about obesity rates and stats here.
What Are the Symptoms of Obesity?
What Are the Complications of Obesity?
The Obesity Paradox
People with obesity are more likely than lower-weight people to die from all causes.
This is known as the obesity paradox.
What Causes Obesity?
Treating these illnesses, or adjusting medications, may help manage obesity.
How Is Obesity Diagnosed?
Obesity is most oftendiagnosedusing a persons BMI.
Since the BMI defines obesity, despite its flaws, this is the true diagnostic test.
How Is Obesity Treated?
Obesity is a complex disease, and treating it is difficult.
Fortunately, even a small amount of weight loss can make a difference.
While these options help many people, theyre not a magic pill.
How Can You Prevent Obesity?
Focusing on health throughout your life may help prevent obesity.
More importantly, it will help contribute to your overall health.
Summary
Obesity is a chronic condition that is diagnosed when a persons BMI is 30 or higher.
However, some people with obesity are metabolically healthy.
It can include surgical or medical interventions, as well as treating underlying health conditions.
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