Overweight and Obesity
Many factors contribute to a person putting on excess weight; these include food choices, overeating, physical inactivity, genetics, cultural factors, medications and the modern environment. The World Health Organisation uses the body mass index (BMI) to define weight ranges. BMI is calculated by your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared kg/(m*m). (BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m)). Your BMI will be in one of four categories:
- less than 18.5 is underweight
- 18.5 to 25 is in the normal weight range
- 25 to less than 30 is overweight
- greater than 30 is obese.
Excess weight, in particular being obese, puts a person at risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, joint problems and some cancers.
Another way to determine your risk for developing a chronic condition is to measure your waist circumference.
For men: greater than 94 cm puts them at increased risk; greater than 102 cm at substantially increased risk.
For women: greater than 80 cm represents an increased risk; greater than 88 cm a substantially increased risk.
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Obesity and ExerciseDiet and exercise both play a part in helping a person to achieve a healthy weight. However, starting an exercise program can be a daunting task if you are carrying excess weight. An accredited exercise physiologist will work with you to identify activities that you enjoy, and design an exercise program for you. Importantly, they will make sure that your program is safe and effective. Remember, dealing with excess weight can be a long and daunting process, but with the right people by your side there is no reason why you can’t take back control of your weight. To find an accredited exercise physiologist who can help you on this journey, click here. |