You are obese when your Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 30 kg/m2 according to W.H.O. criteria, or simply you are 100lb more than your ideal weight. Traditionally, physicians and surgeons use BMI as a benchmark for any intervention.
How to calculate BMI?
BMI = Weight in Kg / (Height in m)2
| Classification* | BMI (kg/m2) |
|---|---|
| Underweight | <18.5 |
| Normal range | 18.5 – 22.9 |
| Overweight at risk | 23 - 24.9 |
| Obese I | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese II | ≥30 |
*Western Pacific Region of WHO classification, 2000 (Based on studies showing Asian have more weight-related comorbidities compared to Caucasian at the same BMI)
Obesity is a disease (though most insurance companies in Malaysia have yet to classify it as so). Twelve percents of Malaysian are obese from the latest national health survey. And even more are overweight. This is consistent with the trends in developed countries.
Causes of Obesity could be a combination of the following:
- The genes you inherited from your parents
- How well your body turns food into energy
- Your eating and exercising habits
- Your surroundings
- Psychological factors
Studies have shown morbidly obese patients have an increased risk of dying early, secondary to increased cardiovascular events and cancer incidents.
The following medical problems are associated with obesity:
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (Glucose intolerance / impairment)
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea / Respiratory problem
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels)
- Joints pain (arthritis)
- Depression / psychological problem
- Digestive disorder / Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease / Heartburn
- Infertility or problem with pregnancy / Menstrual irregularities
- Urinary stress incontinence
- Certain types of cancer (breast, uterine, colon)
- Gallbladder
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