Being overweight or obese does not just affect how you look or how your clothes fit. It can also lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea (breathing problems when you sleep), and some cancers. And in some cases, you can die from being obese. This Web page answers questions about being overweight or obese with ideas about what you can do.
What does it mean to be overweight or obese?
These terms are used when your weight is more than what is healthy for your height. Many people are not at their healthy weight. Studies show that 2 out of 3 American adults are overweight or obese. Many children and teens also weigh more than they should.
How do you know if you’re overweight or obese?
Figure out your BMI.
You can find out if your weight is at a healthy or unhealthy level by using the body mass index (BMI). Your BMI number is based on your height and weight, and gives you an idea of whether you are at a healthy weight. By entering your weight and height, this Web page will help you figure out your current BMI. There are six BMI categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, severely obese, and morbidly obese. Finding your BMI number and learning your category is an important first step towards a healthy weight.
You can figure out your BMI on your own by using the link above. Once you know your BMI number, you may want to talk to your doctor to ask if you should lose weight. You can learn more about BMI here.
You can also use your BMI number to learn more about the link between your weight and your health. First, see where your BMI number fits in:
If you have a BMI number of ........................................ You are …
18.5 or below .................................................. Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 ...................................................... Normal
25 – 29.9 ........................................................ Overweight
30 – 34.9 ........................................................ Obese
35 – 39.9 ........................................................ Severely Obese
40 and above .................................................. Morbidly Obese
To find a child or teen’s BMI number, click here.
Take the “Are You Too Heavy? Self Quiz.” This is a good way to figure out if your weight is a health problem. You can find this quiz here.
Can being overweight or obese affect your health? Yes!
Being overweight or obese can lead to serious problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. To find out if you have a higher chance of getting one of these diseases because of your weight, you can look at three things:
1. Your BMI: Your BMI is 30 or higher
2. Your waist size:
Men: a waist size of 40 inches or more increases your chance of getting certain diseases
Women: a waist size of 35 inches or more increases your chance of getting certain diseases
3. Your health history
Do you have high cholesterol?
Are you a smoker?
Do you exercise less than twice a week?
Go here for more information on how your BMI, waist size, and health history can add up to a greater chance of you getting an obesity-related disease.