Do you know the difference between being overweight and Obesity? These are different despite how frequently people use the names synonymously. It’s a good idea to dig more into these topics, whether you’re worried about obesity or just curious about what it takes to lose weight.
You may then contact a doctor if required and adjust your way of life appropriately.
What Are Obesity And Overweight?
Obesity
For those unfamiliar, obesity is a metabolic disorder characterised by abnormal and excessive fat buildup throughout the body. Thus, an obese person suffers from a pathological condition that damages his health due to excessive fat buildup. When a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or more, it is considered a pathology.
This is not only an aesthetic issue; it poses real risks to people’s bodily and mental health and must be addressed immediately. And it says that obesity is a condition that raises numerous health conditions. It affects around 650 million people worldwide.
Overweight
Having a BMI that is more than the ideal range for one’s height is considered to be overweight. To be overweight is different from being obese. Furthermore, this greater-than-ideal weight may also be caused by an accumulation of fluids, by a weight that is greater than the usual of the bones, or by the presence of increased muscle mass, in addition to the fact that the buildup of fatty tissue is not harmful in and of itself.
When a person has a BMI between 25 and 29, you call that individual overweight. It is the first step toward obesity, but you cannot refer to it as obesity since you are not dealing with the disease.
What Is Considered Obese And Overweight?
The BMI is a helpful indicator for determining your status in these groups. It measures how much extra fat you carry relative to your height and gives you weight in kg/m2. To determine your body mass index, you will need the following information:
Weight: The number that appears when you step on the bathroom scale; for BMI purposes, it is more beneficial if expressed in kilograms. If your bathroom scale only displays your weight in pounds, you must do some simple calculations to convert it to kilograms.
Height: You should also know how tall you are. You’ll need to know your height in meters to get your body mass index. If your measuring tape only gives you results in inches, you’ll need to do some math to figure out how tall you are in meters.
Comparison Chart For Both Children & Adult
Listed below is the comparison chart for children and adults. The following table summarises the difference between inguinal and femoral hernia:
Obesity/ Overweight
Adults
Children under 5 years of age
Children aged between 5–19 years
Obesity
A BMI of 30 or above indicates obesity.
Obesity is a weight-to-height ratio over three standard deviations over the WHO Child Growth Standards median.
Over two standard deviations over the World Health Organization Growth Reference median indicate obesity.
Overweight
A BMI of 25 or above shows being overweight.
Overweight is a weight-to-height ratio of over two standard deviations over the WHO Child Growth Standards median.
BMI-for-age above one standard deviation over the WHO Growth Reference median indicates overweight.
Conclusion
The terms “overweight” and “obese” are often used interchangeably. While there is some overlap between being overweight and obese, the degree to which extra fat has been accumulated in the body is the defining characteristic of each.
Obesity is a disease because it causes many problems over time, and being overweight is a risk factor for many problems.
FAQs
What is the difference between being overweight and obese? Overweight refers to having a BMI between 25 and 29, while obesity occurs when the BMI is 30 or above. Obesity is a more severe health condition with higher risks.
How is obesity measured? Obesity is measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or above indicates obesity. It reflects excessive fat accumulation that can lead to health issues.
Can being overweight lead to obesity? Yes, being overweight (BMI between 25 and 29) can progress to obesity if the excess weight continues to increase, especially if lifestyle changes aren’t made.
What health risks are associated with obesity? Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, and certain cancers, affecting both physical and mental health.
When should I consult a doctor about weight concerns? If your BMI is 25 or higher or you experience health problems related to your weight, you must consult a doctor for advice and possible treatment.
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