A result between 18.5 and 24.9 means you're in the “normal” weight range for your height. If your result is under 18.5, you're considered underweight. Between 25 and 29.9 means you're considered overweight. And if your number is 30 to 35 or more, you're considered obese.
A study has estimated very obese men aged 20 to 39, with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above, have a reduced life expectancy of eight years. This is as a result of their higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. For women of this age, the life expectancy is six years less.
Overweight and obesity are known to increase blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. Excess weight also increases your chances of developing other problems linked to strokes, including high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and heart disease.
An individual is considered morbidly obese if he or she is 100 pounds over his/her ideal body weight, has a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more and experiencing obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
The terms “overweight” and “obesity” refer to body weight that is greater than what is considered normal or healthy for a certain height. Overweight is generally due to extra body fat. However, overweight may also be due to extra muscle, bone, or water. People who have obesity usually have too much body fat.
So the answer to the question is essentially yes, people with obesity can still be healthy. However, what this study, and prior research, shows us is that obesity even on its own carries a certain cardiovascular risk even in metabolically healthy individuals.
10 weight loss tips
- Eat a high protein breakfast.
- Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice.
- Drink water before meals.
- Choose weight-loss-friendly foods.
- Eat soluble fiber.
- Drink coffee or tea.
- Base your diet on whole foods.
- Eat slowly.
Obesity and morbid obesity are the result of too much fat being stored in your body. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can cause weight gain. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can also lead to weight gain, but can usually be managed so that they do not lead to obesity.
A healthy BMI ranges from 17.5 - 25 kg/m2. If your body mass index is 40 or higher, you are considered extremely obese (or morbidly obese.) To reach a healthy BMI of 24.8, she would have to lose 90 pounds to reach a weight of 145 pounds.
Obesity affects some groups more than others
Non-Hispanic blacks (49.6%) had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, followed by Hispanics (44.8%), non-Hispanic whites (42.2%) and non-Hispanic Asians (17.4%).BMI is broken down as follows:
- Normal: 19.0–24.9.
- Overweight: 25.0–29.9.
- Obese stage 1: 30.0–34.9.
- Obese stage 2: 35.0–39.9.
- Morbidly obese stage 3: 40.0 or greater.
Obesity is a serious medical condition that can cause complications such as metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancers and sleep disorders. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition and whether you have complications.
BMI Calculator
| Male | Female |
|---|
| 5' 3" | 112 - 136 lbs. | 104 - 127 lbs. |
| 5' 4" | 117 - 143 lbs. | 108 - 132 lbs. |
| 5' 5" | 122 - 150 lbs. | 113 - 138 lbs. |
| 5' 6" | 128 - 156 lbs. | 117 - 143 lbs. |
Weight and height guide chart
| Height | Weight | |
|---|
| 5ft 1″ (61″) | 100 to 127 lbs. | 132 to 153 lbs. |
| 5ft 2″ (62″) | 104 to 131 lbs. | 136 to 158 lbs. |
| 5ft 3″ (63″) | 107 to 135 lbs. | 141 to 163 lbs. |
| 5ft 4″ (64″) | 110 to 140 lbs. | 145 to 169 lbs. |
The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly. To do this you should: eat a balanced, calorie-controlled diet as recommended by your GP or weight loss management health professional (such as a dietitian) join a local weight loss group.
Overweight and obesity may increase the risk of many health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. If you are pregnant, excess weight may lead to short- and long-term health problems for you and your child.
The limits of the human body
In 1964, researchers published a study noting that "prolonged starvation" could be an effective treatment for severe obesity, with at least one patient fasting for 117 days.What to Eat
- Whole grains (whole wheat, steel cut oats, brown rice, quinoa)
- Vegetables (a colorful variety-not potatoes)
- Whole fruits (not fruit juices)
- Nuts, seeds, beans, and other healthful sources of protein (fish and poultry)
- Plant oils (olive and other vegetable oils)
Adult Body Mass Index (BMI)
| Height | Weight Range | Considered |
|---|
| 5′ 9″ | 124 lbs or less | Underweight |
| 125 lbs to 168 lbs | Healthy weight |
| 169 lbs to 202 lbs | Overweight |
| 203 lbs or more | Obese |
