January 2012

January is Obesity Awareness Month

Overweight and obesity are both ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems. For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is the most common calculator used to determine overweight and obesity because, for most people, it closely correlates to the amount of fat stored in the body.

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

It is important to remember that although BMI correlates with the amount of body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat.

What contributes to overweight and obesity? There is not a quick or easy answer to this common question. In general, there are a variety of factors that play a role in obesity. The most common include:

• Calorie imbalance: Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity.
• Environment: Many decisions that lead to weight gain are made based on the environment or community. For example, a person may choose not to walk to the store or to work because of a lack of sidewalks.
• Genetics: Science shows that genetics plays a role in obesity. However, genes do not always predict future health. A combination of genes and behavior may be the reason a person is overweight.

There are other factors – such as medications, illnesses or psychological factors – that may also contribute to obesity. Consult your health care provider to find out more about obesity and how it can impact your health.

For additional information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html.