Obesity and BMI

When you eat, the digestive system breaks down food molecules and stores the molecules as energy. The energy stored in food is measured in terms of calories. Different foods contain different amounts of energy, and therefore, different amounts of calories. When you consume more calories than you use, the body stores these extra calories as fat. If your body continually stores fat, then overtime you can become obese. Obesity means having an excess amount of body fat. Body Mass Index, or BMI, calculates the amount of body fat by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. For example, a person weighing 77.1 kg (170 lbs) and 1.778 meters tall (5’10”) would have a BMI of 24.4 kg/m². A normal BMI is typically any calculation less than 25. If you have a BMI measurement that is between 25 – 29, you are considered overweight. A BMI measurement of 30 or higher means you are medically classified as obese. Obesity is a medical condition that increases a person’s risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Many factors can affect a BMI score. Some athletes can have a higher BMI due to having more muscle mass, not excess body fat. Family history or hormone influences can contribute to obesity, but it’s mainly the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and in some cases medication can assist in reducing your weight and overall body mass index. It is important to discuss with your doctor which treatment, if any, is most appropriate to help you reduce your weight.