Obesity is a term originating in latin obesity which means excess fat and characterizes the fat individual, with excessive volume of the belly and other parts of the body.
Also known as adiposity, obesity is the accumulation of fat in the body.
Excess weight exposes the individual to various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, increasing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
The causes that contribute to an excessive weight are many, being the western lifestyle (poor diet, consumption of fast food - extremely high-calorie foods, sedentary lifestyle, stress) the main one. Obesity can also be caused by various hormonal disorders.
THE morbid obesity it is a serious illness, which can have critical consequences for an individual. Usually a person is considered morbidly obese when their Body Mass Index is between 40 and 49.9.
Child obesity
The World Health Organization has identified childhood obesity as one of the most serious problems of the 21st century in terms of public health. It usually affects several countries, but it is more pronounced in developing countries.
Types of obesity
- nutritional obesityl - When a person ingests excess calories, through foods with a lot of fat;
- psychological obesity - Caused by disturbances or adverse psychological conditions such as stress and anxiety;
- behavioral obesity - It originates from the person's behavior errors, such as sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical exercise.
In addition, some experts identify two other types of obesity:
- female (or gynecoid) where fat accumulates especially in the hips, thighs and buttocks;
- male (or android), where fat accumulates more in the waist area.
Obesity in Brazil
Obesity is a serious problem in Brazil. A 2013 survey by the Ministry of Health states that the obesity rate in Brazil has increased by 54% in just 6 years (from 2006 to 2011). According to this survey, in 2012, approximately 51% of the population over the age of 18 was overweight.
Obesity and BMI (Body Mass Index)
The calculation of BMI (Body Mass Index) is one of the simplest instruments for measuring body fat. The calculation is made using the individual's weight (kg) divided by their height (in meters) squared, having the following equation: BMI = weight/height².
The BMI result can be included in the table below:
18.5-24.9 - Normal
25.0-29.9 - Overweight
30.0-34.9 - Mild Obesity
35.0-39.9 - Moderate Obesity
40.0-49.9 - Morbidly Obese
50.0-59.9 - Super Obese
> 60.0 - Super Super Obese
In a clinical analysis, other factors such as age, sex, muscle mass, among others, are taken into account.
know more about BMI and see what it means to be vegan.
Obesity Treatment and Prevention
The treatment of obesity is done through a balanced food diet and the regular practice of physical exercise. In cases of morbid obesity, a surgery for stomach reduction (bariatric surgery or gastroplasty).
One healthy lifestyle should be adopted, with sports and a healthy and balanced diet.
See also the meaning of sedentary lifestyle and quality of life.
