Obesity is defined as the condition of being very overweight and having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher.Body mass index (BMI) is a good indicator, because it correlates well with the amount of body fat a person has. BMI is a formula that calculates the ratio between height and weight.
Your waist size is also important. It is a measure of your abdominal fat. Your health risks increase as your BMI and waist size get larger. A waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women indicates a significant increase in health risk. Calculate your own BMI below:
The body mass index range for adults 20 and over is shown here:
| BMI | Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 -24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
Your physician can use your BMI to help determine if you have a weight problem. However, a high BMI isn't enough information to determine a course of action. For example, healthy athletes may weigh more than other people of the same height because they have well-developed muscles; muscle tissue is denser than fat tissue, so a particular volume of muscle will weigh more than the same volume of fat.
Your doctor will need to evaluate your diet, how much exercise you get, your family history of disease and many other factors before determining the next step for you.
Please go to "Am I a Candidate?"
Obesity is one of the most tragic, costly and preventable public health problems facing thecountry today. An epidemic of obesity that drains our economy of billions of dollars annually in direct medical expenses, disability and lost productivity and together, with a sedentary lifestyle, contributes to over three hundred thousand excess deaths each year. Next to smoking, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
-- George L. Blackburn, M.D., President, American Society for Clinical Nutrition
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a global body seeking to promote good health (defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being) among all nations. However, over the last few decades, WHO ignored the rising trends of obesity in the world. Here are some obesity facts:
- Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese.
- Obesity and being overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and certain forms of cancer.
- The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars and reduced physical activity.
The worldwide incidence of obesity is increasing. In fact, a new word – "globesity"- has now been coined to reflect the escalation of global obesity and being overweight. In 1998, WHO published a report entitled “Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic”, which classified obesity as a growing epidemic. According to WHO, if immediate action is not taken, millions will suffer from an array of serious weight-related disorders.
- Genetics – Obesity can often be traced to genes and the brain can induce appetite tendencies. Look at your family. You are probably not alone.
- Illnesses such as hypothyroidism, cushing syndrome and depression
- Psychological causes including mental illness and emotional problems
- Breast feeding – Whether and for how long you were breast-fed can contribute to obesity. Breast-fed babies are less likely to become overweight adults.
- Lifestyle habits – Poor diet and low levels of daily activity can contribute to obesity. We learn to eat and cook according to the way we were brought up. Food choices and combinations are learned very early in life. Our culture also plays a large part in the choices we make and the habits we develop.
You may be able to lose weight and improve your health by addressing the causes of your obesity. Sometimes these attempts do not work without surgery. If you have been losing the battle with obesity, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery. To help you make a decision, talk to us at 1-877-306-8891.
courtney says:
18 Feb pm29 07:59 PM
Ashley says:
18 Feb pm29 07:25 PM
amal says:
18 Feb pm29 04:58 PM
do u offer a free consultation (in saskatoon)? if so, when can I book for an appointment?
may I have an idea about the prices?? (tummy tuck,breast augmentation ,butt left & thigh liposuction)
thanks
amy says:
17 Feb pm29 06:37 PM
xupsijgnck says:
16 Feb pm29 04:01 PM
stoongal says:
16 Feb pm29 02:12 PM
I have personally emailed answers to most of you.
tammy says:
16 Feb am29 10:00 AM
Claire says:
15 Feb pm29 04:03 PM
Claire says:
15 Feb pm29 03:59 PM
Hi there! I would like to invite you to call the office at 1-877-306-8891 and talk to me or any of our other staff about weight loss surgery. If you would like to contact me at claire@weightlossforever.ca I can send you some information via email. We are here for you!!
Ivan Ballard says:
21 Feb am29 12:31 AM