Take Action: A guide to a healthier weight
What is overweight and obesity?
The terms overweight and obesity refer to a weight above what is considered healthy for a particular height. Obesity is defined as a condition of excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. It is often measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale.
The Body Mass Index (BMI)
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. This is a tool used for both men and women over 18 years of age to determine overweight and obesity. It is calculated as a person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by their height (in metres squared).
The classification of overweight is having a BMI of 25 or more. Obesity is having a BMI of 30 or more.
| Underweight | Normal Range | Overweight | Obese Class I | Obese Class II | Obese Class III |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <18.5 | 18.5 - 25 | 25 - 30 | 30 - 35 | 35 - 40 | >40 |
BMI does not separate muscle mass and body fat. Therefore, people with a lot of muscle mass, such as body builders, may have a high BMI but may not have high body fat.
What causes overweight and obesity?
Eating and drinking more calories than you expend will cause weight gain over time. Over the world, there has been:
- an increase intake of food and drinks that are high in energy
- a decrease in physical activity or exercise
These factors have resulted in higher rates of overweight and obesity. Other contributing factors include:
- the genes you inherited from your parents
- your surroundings
- psychological factors
- how well your body turns food into energy
Risks of overweight and obesity
Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. At least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese*.
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- certain cancers
- osteoarthritis
- sleep apnoea
- depression
- liver disease
- high blood pressure
Benefits of weight loss
To lose weight we need to improve our nutrition and increase our physical activity. Even losing just 5 – 10% of weight has been shown to be beneficial for health, reducing the risk of diabetes and improving blood pressure.
Successful weight loss requires the support from people around you. Your doctor, family and friends can help in keeping you on track with your health goals.
You can be a role model for people around you too. Changing the way you eat and drink and being more active can inspire your friends and family to do the same. This may help them to avoid weight gain or prevent them from developing obesity.
Act now! Where to go for help or more information:
- Live Lighter website
- We encourage you to speak with your General Practitioner to develop an action plan
- Find an accredited practicing dietitian (APD) who specialises in overweight and obesity
- If you have tried multiple times to lose weight but remain obese, it may be worthwhile talking to your GP about bariatric surgery
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*European Association for the Study of Obesity. 2014. Obesity Facts & Figures. [ONLINE] Available at: http://easo.org/education-portal/obesity-facts-figures/. [Accessed 19 January 2017].