Overweight and obesity are defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can be detrimental to health. Directly measuring this excess body fat requires the use of very complex methods.
One approximate way to calculate this excess fat is to use the BMI or body mass index, a simple indicator of the relationship between weight and height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of his or her height in meters (kg/m2).
For adults, the WHO (World Health Organization) defines overweight and obesity as follows:
- Overweight: BMI equal to or greater than 25.
- Obesity: BMI equal to or greater than 30.
BMI provides the most useful measure of overweight and obesity in the population, as it is the same for both sexes and for adults of all ages.
What are the causes of overweight?
A sedentary lifestyle and eating too much and eating poorly are the most common causes. However, it can also be caused by genetic conditions, side effects of medication or endocrine diseases.
What are the common health consequences of overweight and obesity?
An elevated BMI is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as the following:
- Cardiovascular diseases, mainly heart disease and stroke;
- Diabetes
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system (especially osteoarthritis).
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney and colon).
The risk of contracting these non-communicable diseases increases with increasing BMI.
Childhood obesity is associated with an increased likelihood of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.
How is it treated?
It is recommended to visit a specialized medical team to evaluate the degree of overweight or obesity as well as concomitant diseases, cause or consequence of this condition. This team should set real and healthy objectives and treatment guidelines.
To treat overweight it is necessary to change the lifestyle: to do sports and to start eating healthy, in adequate portions.
It is very important to avoid “miracle diets” and rapid weight loss, which will always have negative long-term consequences.
How can overweight and obesity be reduced?
Overweight and obesity, as well as related non-communicable diseases, are mostly preventable.
- Limiting energy intake from the amount of total fat and sugars;
- Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts;
- Performing regular physical activity (60 minutes a day for young people and 150 minutes a week for adults).
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Content reviewed by Dr. Amparo Alcañiz Cebrián.