Frequently
Asked Questions
What is obesity?
- Obesity is evaluated
by using BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI is calculated
by using the person’s weight and height. For children BMI is used with height for weight, height for age, or weight for age charts to determine overweight and obesity.
Who is affected?
- Nearly 300,000 people die every year of obesity related
causes. As of 2000 64.5% of American adults
were considered overweight and 30.5% considered obese. This
is about a 15% increase from 1980. In addition 16% of children and adolescents, ages 6-19, are affected by obesity. That is
tripled the number of children and adolescents affected in 1980!
- The obesity problem is everywhere! See the CDC PowerPoint presentation on obesity trends over the past 20 years.
When does it develop?
- Obesity can develop at any point during one’s
life. Obesity increases with age and women (33%)
have a higher prevalence over men (28%). There
is very little difference ethnically for men where
obesity is concerned; however that is not the case
for women. The greatest prevalence of obesity
is found in non-Hispanic black women, with Mexican-American
and non-Hispanic whites following. http://www.cdc.gov/inches/pressroom/04facts/obesity.htm
Why is obesity a problem?
- In the 21st century we are seeing a decrease in physical
activity among all age groups; also larger portion
sizes, increased fat, calorie, and processed food intake. These
factors are having a negative effect on obesity in
America. Obesity can lead to serious medical
conditions including; type 2 diabetes, coronary heart
disease and arthritis. The good news is that
if an overweight or obese person can lose just 10%
of his or her body weight this can have a tremendous
positive effect on health. http://www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/Health_Effects.shtml
- In addition to adverse
medical conditions people suffering from obesity must
also cope with discrimination and mistreatment that
is unfortunately becoming socially acceptable. For
more information about the health effects of obesity
check out: http://www.obesity.org/education/what.shtml
Unique Facts
- Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi have
the highest percentage of people living with obesity
(23.1%)
- The size of a bagel has increased 3 inches and 210
calories since 1980! Raking leave for 50 minutes will burn about 210 calories
(based on a 130 pound person). Click here for more facts from the CDC
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