Obesity is the term given to individuals who are extremly fat, i.e. more than 20% of their ideal weight. It is a major problem in the more advanced countries. Whether this is due to an aberration in diet or due to sedentry lifestyle is still controversial.
Ways to check if one is obese could be either of the following;
- Using tables of average weights by heights and age
- Using tables of desirable weights for heights associated with lowest mortalities in insured hospital patients
- Using indices derived from heights and weights of which the body mass index (BMI) is the most useful.
The BMI is a ratio of the individual’s weight (in Kg) over their height (in meters squared). The normal range is 20-25. figures between 25-30 shows that the individual is over weight while figures above 30 depicts obesity. figures below 20 is termed under weight and could be equally unhealthy.
Even though the BMI seems easy to use, it has some flaws. These include the consideration of muscle weight against fat weight, as seen in body builders. Also, some individuals may seem obese but have normal BMI figures. The BMI for the young and elderly should be considered with caution since their lean body mass compared to fat varies. Ideally it is the excess fat in the body that is dangerous.
It has been discovered that abdominal or central obesity is much dangerous compared to overall obesity. In this case, it is the waist-to-hip ratio that is considered. The waist is measured at the narrowest part widthwise, usually just above the belly button, while the hip is around the widest part of the hip bone. Ideal figures are 0.7 for females and 0.9 for males.
It has been discovered the those with abdominal obesity are much more predisposed to complications of obesity compared to the general population. Some of the complications include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Skin disease
- Cancers
- Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
- Infertility
Although obesity in some individuals may not manifest these complications, its risk is greatly increased when these individuals have glucose intolerance and a family history of hypertension or hyperlipidemias.
