Are You Considered Obese? How to Decipher the Scale
What is it to be considered obese? It’s not just a matter of being overweight or having a larger clothing size. It’s not just about the way you look. Obesity is a disease that has a direct impact on your overall health.
When you are considered obese, you are also likely at an increased risk of a spectrum of different types of medical condition. These can include blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer, among others.
The reason is that when you are considered obese, your body has enlarged fat cells. It is important to note that you likely don’t have many more fat cells than people who are within their healthy weight range. Instead, the fat cells are fuller and larger. This leads to increased inflammation in the body and a change in the way your hormones are produced. This combination can lead to chronic pain, mental health issues, heart health issues and a number of other chronic medical condition risks.
But how do you know if you are actually obese or if you are overweight? The only true way to know is to visit the doctor. There, you will likely have your weight taken on a scale. Your doctor may also measure your waist in order to determine how much of your weight is being carried around your middle. The reason for this is that where you carry your body fat actually plays an important role in the health risks associated with your excess weight. Belly fat is particularly problematic when it comes to many health conditions.
If you are overweight, this means that you weigh more than what is typically considered to be healthy. However, obesity is a step beyond simply being overweight. One in three American adults is obese. Doctors will often use a body mass index (BMI) to help to determine whether you are overweight or obese. This will involve measuring your height as well.
If your BMI is calculated to be under 18.5, you are considered to be underweight. From 18.5 to 24.9, you are in the normal category, which is typically considered to be the healthy range – the goal for most people. If your BMI is 25 to 29.9, you are deemed to be overweight. At 30 or higher, you are typically told you are obese.
Most doctors divide obesity into three categories. The first is from 30 to 34.9. The second is from 35 to 39.9. Beyond that point – that is, a BMI of 40 or higher – is considered to be morbid obesity.
While you’re at your appointment, talk to your doctor about non-prescription Phentramin-d and how it can help your weight management strategy.
