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How to Determine Whether Your Weight Is Healthy
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If your BMI is 18.5
or less you are considered to be underweight. |
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If your BMI is in the
range 19 to 24.9 you have a healthy weight. |
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If your BMI is in the
range 25 to 29.9 you are considered to be overweight and may
incur moderate health risks. For example, heart disease, diabetes
and high blood pressure are all linked to being overweight.
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If your BMI is 30+ you
are considered to be obese. Obesity is associated with increased
risk of cancer, heart disease and other health problems. A BMI
of 30 and over increases the risk of death from any cause by
50 to 150 percent, according to some estimates. |
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If your BMI is 35+ and
you have a waist size of over 40 inches (men) and 35 inches
(women) you are considered to be at especially high risk for
health problems. |
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If your BMI is 40+
you are considered to be seriously obese and at a very serious
risk of health problems.
Note: Above BMI 25, the higher the BMI, the greater the risk
of developing additional health problems. |
Body Mass Index and Weight Loss
According to health experts, people who are overweight but who
have no other health risk factors (such as high cholesterol or high
blood pressure) should focus on healthy eating and regular exercise
to keep from gaining additional weight.
For people who are overweight and also have health risks, they recommend
trying to actively lose weight. Consult your doctor or other health
professional before beginning any exercise or weight-loss programme.
Health Risks of Obesity
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High blood pressure
and stoke are twice as common in obese people. |
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Evidence is strong that
obesity increases the risk of breast cancer (after menopause),
womb cancer and kidney cancer. |
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Obesity
may also increase the risk of colon cancer. |
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Gall bladder
disease is three times as likely to occur in middle-aged obese
women. |
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Diabetes
is four times more common in middle-aged obese people than in
middle-aged people of normal weight. |
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Coronary
heart disease is twice as common in obese men under 45. |
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Osteoarthritis
is more painful and less easily treatable if the person is obese.
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Severe obesity
may cause shortage of breath, varicose veins, backache and even
psychological problems. |
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Remember,
if your Body Mass Index is 30+, you are obese. |
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