MAJOR CAUSES OF OBESITY BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) BMI is a measurement of an individual's body weight (in kgs) divided by the square of his or her height (in metres). With BMI it becomes easier to calculate one's fitness on the basis of the measurement. Example, if the body weight = 75 kg and height = 1.62 m (162 cm), the BMI would be 28.6. FACTS ON OBESITY A person with BMI greater than or equal to 30 is considered as obese or overweight. Excessive weight is the fifth leading reason of global death. As per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data, nearly one in every four people is overweight. Worldwide, at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Busy and stressful schedules don't leave much time for healthy eating or healthy living, leading to obesity and other health problems. Coupled with busy lifestyles, people usually eat whatever is most convenient or at hand, which mostly consist of junk or fried foods that are high in fat and have low nutritional value. Obesity can also be a result of genetics and other environmental factors. It has been found that 80% of the offspring of two obese parents are obese. So anyone with a BMI of 25 or above is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or above as obese. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, immobility, infertility, reduced life expectancy, depression and diabetes are some of the complications that can occur as a result of obesity. Sedentary lifestyles Poor eating habits Genetics BMI Categories Underweight = <18.5 Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight = 25 – 29.9 Obese = BMI of 30 or greater 41
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