Obesity is epidemic in our society, and it can have serious health consequences. But unnaturally thin body ideals are a problem too. Where do you fit?
Reality check: the problem of obesity in our society
Some experts estimate that 10-25% of teenagers and 20-50% of adults have a weight problem. It's ironic that North Americans are heavier than ever despite the increasing focus over the past few decades on weight loss, exercise and reduced fat intake. For most people, diets mean denial and deprivation - and therefore cause overeating once the diet is stopped.
So what is obesity, exactly? Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of fat tissue. Some health practitioners define obesity by the amount of fat content of the body. Obesity is usually defined as a body fat content greater than 25% of the total weight for males, or greater than 30% of the total weight for females. The recommended body fat content for men is 15-18%; for women, it's 20-25%. These percentages vary with age, increasing as we get older.
So what causes obesity? It's not just a question of eating too much - though that can be a factor. Actually, there are many contributing factors. These can include:
- consuming too much food energy
- low activity levels
- genetics
- body metabolism
- social factors
- economic factors
- psychological/emotional factors
So, what's all the fuss and concern? Obesity has health consequences. The complications resulting of obesity can have a considerable negative effect on the quality and length of a person's life. These complications can also have a significant impact on health care costs. People who are obese are at a higher risk of numerous illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. Obesity also increases the risk of:
- heart disease
- some forms of cancer
- high blood pressure
- gall bladder problems
- reproductive problems
- sleeping problems
- osteoarthritis
Do you really need to lose weight?
Our society is preoccupied by weight. This is due in part to ideal images of
female and male physiques portrayed in advertising. For most people, these ideals
are unrealistic and unhealthy.
The main reason such ideals are unrealistic is that, genetically, we seem
to have a natural weight range that our bodies prefer to be in. To maintain
this weight range, internal cues help to regulate our food intake. Many people
have become out of touch with these internal cues for many reasons, including:
- being encouraged to clean the plate as a child
- eating erratically with long periods between meals
- eating too quickly
- eating while reading, watching TV, or driving
How can you know if you are within your natural and healthy weight range?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good way to see if you have a healthy weight.
There are many BMI calculators available through the Internet. Men and women
between the ages of 20 and 65 can use the BMI. However, it doesn't apply to
pregnant or breast-feeding women, very muscular people or endurance athletes.
With BMI, there is a wide range of weight that is considered healthy for a given
height. That's because healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes.
The BMI scores or results will let a person know if excess weight is putting
him or her at risk of health problems. A score of 18.5 to 25 indicates a healthy
weight and less chance of developing health problems. A score under 18.5 signifies
that the person may be more likely to develop certain health problems, including
anemia, osteoporosis, and irregular heart rhythms. Someone with a score of 25
or higher may be at a higher risk of weight-related health problems. These problems
can include heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A person with
a BMI under 18.5 or over 25 would be wise to consider changes towards a healthier
lifestyle.
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