The Common Warning Signs Of Obesity

By Kat Fuschillo
Writer for FEP International

Obesity is growing at an alarming rate in the western world. More and more adults and even young children are being diagnosed with the condition each and every day. Yet, many people still don't know the difference between being overweight and obesity. Read on to find out more about the common obesity signs and the how this condition can be easily avoided.

How can I tell if I am obese?

The easiest way to know if you're obese, is to use an obesity chart to work out your BMI (Body Mass Index). All you have to know is your height and your current weight. If you have a BMI of 30 or over, you are considered to be dangerously overweight and clinically obese.

Obesity warning signs...

You can't become obese overnight. It takes a long time to gain weight and you need to consume more than 3,500 calories more than your body needs to add one pound to your existing weight.

Look out for these common signs...

- A sharp increase in your weight.
- A change to your BMI.
- Your regular clothing is becoming tight or it no longer fits.
- Bouts of poor health.

If you have noticed that your weight has increased, then you need to make changes to your diet immediately. You need to control your weight gain before it becomes dangerous. You need to reduce the amount of calories you eat each day, and increase your daily exercise. Men need around ~2000 calories each day, and women need just ~1500 [1].

What are the health risks related to obesity?

Being overweight or obese can seriously affect your current health, and your health in years to come. With obesity you are far more likely to be affected by the following illnesses:

- Fatty liver disease
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancer types
- Hypertension

All of these conditions are very serious, and potentially fatal. That's why it's so important to take positive steps now, and help prevent these dangerous conditions in later life.

What you can do to prevent obesity...

Your home environment and family members may have a negative effect on your diet, and be the cause of your weight gain. If you live with people who constantly eat unhealthy diets, you may find it difficult to make any positive changes to your own diet. Try not to be influenced by others and work hard to make sure you don't fall back into bad eating habits.

Time and money may also make it harder to change your diet. Many folks turn to fast food for the low cost and convenience. Try to avoid these foods and always go for a healthy mealtime alternative instead. Make sure you:

- Always make the best food choices for yourself and your family.
- Improve your food education - the more you know about food the better your daily diet will be
- Eat a well balanced and varied diet.
- Exercise daily - this will go a long way to help you stay in shape and is an excellent way to promote weight loss [2-3].

References

1. Obesity –
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/nutrition/dietary_obesity1.shtml. Accessed Aug 14, 2009.

2. Family influences –
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/nutrition/dietary_obesity2.shtml. Accessed Aug 14, 2009.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Habits May Be Associated With Reduced Risk Of Chronic Disease –
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810161906.htm. Accessed Aug 14, 2009.

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