Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, while obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. As weight increases to reach these levels, the risks for several health conditions also increase:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
- Some gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)
One way to determine whether your weight is a healthy one is to calculate your body mass index. For most people, BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness. It is calculated based on your height and weight. A doctor would be able to calculate your BMI.
(Based on an article from Partnership for Healthy Weight Management)
