What Is Obesity

Defining obesity

Obesity is generally considered to begin at a weight relative to height that is 20 to 30% above desirable weight. Desirable weight being the mid-point of weight ranges associated with greatest longevity; data which is extracted from life-insurance statistics.

The Body Mass Indicator (BMI) is the internationally used standard for classifying an individual's weight-for-height.

You can calculate by dividing the person's weight in kg by their height in metres, squared. ie: kg ÷ m²

And these are the ranges:

Obesity is associated with conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Cancer of the uterus, breast cancer and gall bladder disease are also more prevalent amongst obese individuals. Risk of premature death is greatest for people who become obese at an early age, and there is some evidence that greater distribution of excess fat to the upper body is more dangerous than lower body fat.

More information about the consequences of gross obesity can be found here