Are You Obese?

What is it you ask? I think we all know, as it is one of the most talked about subjects in every medium. You are obese when you possess an excess of body fat, the definition is very simple but the resolution is not. In fact, a direct measurement of your body fat cannot be done easily. Your body mass index (BMI) is the most popular method of determining your healthy weight versus you being underweight, overweight or obese. Now this method should be used as a guide, along with your waist size, to assist you in estimating the amount of your body fat. Should you find you have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 you are to be considered overweight and if you have a BMI of 30 or more you are to be considered obese.

Because BMI uses both your height and your weight to determine the number, it is considered the most accurate method of determining whether you are underweight, overweight or obese. Obesity rates in the United States and around the world are on the rise. This weight problem affects both adults and children. Sad to report that approximately 9 million, which is about 15% of our children in this United States of America aged 6 to 17 are obese. This fact prompted me to write a previous article entitled "The First Generation To Not Outlive Their Parents", our kids will not outlive us! The 15% represents a number that is double that which existed in the 1980s.

Pretty sad, wouldn't you say? We need to turn this around now!

It is fair to say that your obesity can and will shorten your life and place you at the mercy of a number of debilitating conditions. What types of problems might you have just because your eating is out of control and you consume those candy drinks? Well, how about high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer? There are many other problems that obesity will cause you and as your degree of obesity increases so do the risks. Those of you that choose to carry extra weight around your waist rather than in your legs or thighs may suffer early heart problems. And if you do not care about yourself being obese, what about your kids being obese? As always you or yours must eat well to be well.

I think. I read. I care. I inform. I coach.
To you health

don george
wellness is my game
donm@dimoreenterprise.com

1(603) 686-7186