Conditions InDepth: Obesity
Overweight in adults is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25. Obesity in adults is defined as having a BMI greater than or equal to 30. In children, being overweight or obese is based on being above normal ranges on growth charts. Being overweight or obese occurs when the amount of calories you take in is consistently greater than the number of calories you use during activity and basic bodily functions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 1.4 billion overweight adults and about 500 million obese adults worldwide. And these numbers are expected to rise. In the US, an estimated 70% of adults are either overweight or obese. American children and teens are also affected. An estimated 17% of children and young adults aged 2-19 are obese.
Complications of Obesity
Being obese can increase your risk of early death and shorten life expectancy.
Other complications of untreated obesity include:
- Decreased energy
- Heart disease
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Increased risk of stroke
- High cholesterol and high triglycerides in the blood
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Gallstones
- Cataracts
- Joint problems, back pain
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Increased risk of death from cancer
- Gout
- Infertility
- Sleep apnea
- Poor self-image, depression
- Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, complications during labor and deliver, malformations of the baby
Last reviewedFebruary 2013by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
