Have you ever wondered what the difference is between obesity and overweight? Both terms are used quite often in media, but what exactly do they mean, and how are they different? In this blog post, we will look at the differences between obesity and overweight to better understand the implications of each.
Obesity vs Overweight
Obesity is a medical condition in which a person has an abnormally high amount of body fat, which can lead to serious health problems. An individual must have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher to be considered obese. Obesity is a BMI of 30 or higher, while overweight is a BMI of 25 to 29.9. On the other hand, being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25 to 29.9 and being at risk of developing serious health problems. While a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is not considered obese, it is unhealthy and can result in health complications.
The main difference between obesity and overweight is the amount of body fat a person possesses. While someone with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 may have excess body fat, they are not considered obese. Furthermore, people who are overweight may have a healthy lifestyle and diet. In contrast, obese people typically have an unhealthy lifestyle and diet.
Obesity is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It is also linked to a lower life expectancy and various physical and psychological issues. However, being overweight does not always result in health problems, though it does increase the risk of developing some health problems.
Obesity and overweight are caused by various factors. Still, some of the most common are an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetics. Both conditions are typically treated with lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Medication or bariatric surgery may be recommended in some cases to aid in weight loss.
It is critical to understand the distinction between obesity and overweight to receive the necessary treatment for any health issues associated with either. If you are concerned about your body weight, you should consult your doctor to discuss the best options. In an effort to reduce body weight one should not resort to quick fixes that promise weight loss in a few days. As such methods may put your liver, Kidney and muscles at a high risk.
References:
Effects of Overweight and Obesity. (2022, September 24). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html
Obesity and overweight. (2021, June 9). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
What Are Overweight and Obesity? (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity,
