World Obesity Day (04 March)

What is obesity and overweight?

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).

For adults, the World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity as follows:

  • overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25; and
  • obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.

BMI provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. For children, age needs to be considered when defining overweight and obesity.

What causes obesity and overweight?

The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between the number of calories consumed and calories used. Globally, there has been:

  • an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugars; and
  • a decrease in physical activity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.

What are common health consequences of overweight and obesity?

Raised BMI is a major risk factor for diseases such as:

  • cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke
  • diabetes
  • musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis)
  • some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon).

Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

How can overweight and obesity be reduced?

Overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable. By making the choice of healthier foods and regular physical activity, is the easiest choice. This is the most accessible, available and affordable choice in preventing overweight and obesity.

Start today:

  • limit energy intake from total fats and sugars
  • increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts
  • engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes a day for children and 150 minutes spread through the week for adults).

Sources:
www.worldobesity.org
www.who.int
www.esmmweighless.com