Eating disorders

Obesity
What is obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans, is increased to a point where it is associated with certain health conditions or increased mortality. It’s measured using the BMI (Body Mass Index).

What is BMI?

BMI, or body mass index, is a simple and widely used method for estimating body fat. It is calculated by dividing the subject’s weight by the square of his height
BMI=kg/m2
Where kg is the subject’s weight in kilograms and mis the subject’s height in metres.
The current definitions commonly in use establish the following values:

- A BMI less than 18.5 is underweight
- A BMIL of 18.5—24.9 is normal weight
- ABMI of 25.0—29.9 is overweight
- ABMI of 30.0—39.9 is obese
- A BMI of 40.0 or higher is severely (or morbidly) obese
- A BMI of 35.0 or higher in the presence of at least one other significant co morbidity
is also classified by some bodies as morbid obesity.

What are the effects on health?

Health consequences result of increased fat mass or increased number of fat cells. Increased fat mass:
. Osteoarthritis;
. Obstructive sleep apnea;
. Social stigma.

Increased number of fat cells:
. Diabetes;
. Cancer;
. Cardiovascular disease.

Research done by: Paula Cerqueira, 8ºG