What Is Obesity?
To most people, the term "obesity"
means to be very overweight. However, health experts define "obesity"
as an excess amount of body fat.
Some people, such as bodybuilders or other
athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight without being obese.
Obesity and Body Mass Index
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The main indicator of whether you
are obese is the Body Mass Index (BMI). This gauges your weight
status by reference to your height and weight. If your BMI is 30
or above, you are deemed to be obese. If you have a BMI of 40+,
you are deemed to be morbidly obese - i.e. your weight-level may
be life-threatening.
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Obesity in Life
There are critical periods during life
where weight gain is more likely. In women these are between the ages
of 15 and 19 years, after marriage, pregnancy, the menopause and retirement.
In men the categories are between ages 35 and 40 years, after marriage
and after retirement.
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