The terms "overweight"; and "obese" are often thrown around a lot, but what do they really mean? Both terms are labels for a range of weight that is greater than what is considered healthy for a specified height. Being in either category has been shown to increase the probability of diseases and health problems. Both categories are determined by the measure of body mass index, or BMI.
BMI is calculated using measurements of height and weight. If you don't know your BMI, there are many options for calculating your BMI online. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, while a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is overweight, and a BMI above 30 is obese. Morbid obesity is associated with a BMI of 40 or above. Generally, obesity is considered to be around 20% above a normal weight, while morbid obesity is over 50% above a normal weight. Morbid obesity can interfere with an individual's ability to function normally and be a cause for early onset of various weight related diseases.
Approximately one third of American adults are obese, and one in every five children are obese. That means about 60 million Americans are obese. Considering these statistics, obesity has become a major epidemic affecting the United States, with an estimated 400,000 obesity related deaths each year. Obesity also increases an individual's risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, and many other illnesses.
You could be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you meet any of the following conditions: a BMI above 40, a BMI above 35 while simultaneously experiencing other health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, being over 100 pounds above your ideal weight, or you are unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time despite a continued diet and exercise regiment. In addition, you must be between the ages of 16 and 70 to be eligible for bariatric weight loss surgery. Furthermore, women who undergo weight loss surgery must be aware that they must not become pregnant during the first 18 months to two years following any bariatric weight loss procedure.
Bariatric surgery has an excellent track record of helping obese individuals lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. However, success is only possible if you are committed to making a permanent lifestyle and dietary change.
For more information about bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and lap band surgery at the NJ Bariatric Institute, visit http://njbariatricinstitute.com/ and schedule a consultation in New Jersey.
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