OVERWEIGHT

How do I know if I’m overweight or obese?

Body mass index (BMI) can help you know if you are overweight. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. People with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. People with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.

What causes someone to become overweight or obese?

Excessive calories in your diet may cause you to become overweight.  A calorie is a unit of energy in the food you eat. Your body needs this energy to function and to be active. But if you take in more energy than your body uses, you will gain weight.

Behaviors (such as eating too many calories or not getting enough physical activity), environment and culture, and genes are some of the factors that contribute to make you gain more weight.

What are the health effects of being overweight or obese?

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Breathing problems
• Arthritis
• Gallbladder disease
• Some kinds of cancer

Excess body weight isn’t the only health risk. The places where you store your body fat also affect your health. Women with a “pear” shape tend to store fat in their hips and buttocks. Women with an “apple” shape store fat around their waists. If your waist is more than 35 inches, you may have a higher risk of weight-related health problems.

What is the best way for me to lose weight?

Have a healthy eating plan and be more active .The best way is to lessen your calorie intake and use more of it by engaging in physical activities. Talk to your doctor before you start a weight-loss program.

Safe weight-loss programs that work well:

• Set a goal of slow and steady weight loss — 1 to 2 pounds per week
• Offer low-calorie eating plans with a wide range of healthy foods
• Encourage you to be more physically active
• Teach you about healthy eating and physical activity
• Adapt to your likes and dislikes and cultural background
• Help you keep weight off after you lose it

What medicines are approved for long-term treatment of obesity?

For people who have a BMI of 30 or higher and weight-related health problems or health risks, the two medicines are approved by The Food and Drug Administration for long-term treatment of obesity. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and the side effects before taking these medicines.

• Sibutramine (si-BYOO-tra-meen) suppresses your appetite.

side effects: can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. You should not take this medicine if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart problems, or strokes. Other side effects include dry mouth, headache, constipation, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.

• Orlistat (OR-li-stat) keeps your body from absorbing fat from the food you eat.

side effects: may cause diarrhea, cramping, gas, and leakage of oily stool. Eating a low-fat diet can help prevent these side effects. This medicine may also prevent your body from absorbing some vitamins. Talk with your doctor about whether you should take a vitamin supplement.