101218 Obesity 1/2

101218 Obesity 1/2

Obesity, as stated earlier, poses a serious threat to our health and occurs when the overall amount of calories consumed exceeds the calories expended.

Obesity, per the accepted definition, is an excessively high proportion of body fat in relation to lean body mass on an individual. Another common indicator of obesity is a mathematical chart comparison of weight with height. These graphs use a standard of acceptable or desirable weight when compared to the height of the person measured.

The body mass index is one of the most frequently used measures to determine a healthy weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses a mathematical formula. These calculations divide the person’s weight in pounds by the square of the person’s height in inches. The answer is then multiplied by 703.

There are also formulas that use the metric system.

However, this formula does not take into account the lean muscle mass on the person, so if one is heavily muscled the BMI will inaccurate.

When children are born, they have extra fat. This helps them make an easier transition from the womb into the outside world. As they approach five years of age both body fat and body weight are at the lowest points of their lives.