What is obese? Obesity is defined as an excess in body fat. It is medically determined by the BMI figure, or weight to height ratio. A BMI of:
- 18-24.9 would be in normal range.
- 25-29.9 would be considered overweight.
- 30 and above would be considered obese.
It is estimated that global obesity is above the 300 million mark for adults, and an estimated 700 million of adults globally are overweight. The alarming numbers are mirrored in the increase in childhood obesity as well. Over 22 million kids under 5 are already considered over weight, which has more than doubled since 1980. In addition, obesity percentages by age in 2010 were;
- 2-5 yr. -19% were obese
- 6-11 yr. -20% were obese
- 12-19 yr. -18% were obese
- 20 and up -34% were obese
Globally we are at catastrophic proportions if something doesn’t change.
The New Millennium Epidemic
The numbers don’t lie, we are at epidemic proportions with obesity being the #1 risk for chronic health conditions including;
- type 2 diabetes
- cardiovascular problems
- high blood pressure
- and some types of cancer
What is even worse is that the medical field seems to be unmotivated to approach the subject of weight to the patients, and to curb the increase in weight related medical problems.
Social and mental ramifications are also evident in people that suffer from obesity.
The Red, the White, and the Obese?
Americans are the most obese country globally with an estimated 63.1% of all Americans being obese. About one-third of all adults in America (33.8%) are obese, and about 17% (12.5 million) kids 2-19 yrs. are obese. As of 2010, every state had at least 20% of the population at the obese level.
The staggering numbers are now being mirrored by the increase of obesity in Europe. In a 2003 survey 75.4% of German men and 58.9% of German women were considered obese or overweight. And, 66.6% of men in England, and 58.5% of women in England were obese or overweight. And, even more surprising is the fact that Finland, Germany, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Malta have surpassed the U.S. figure for obese and overweight males.
European Obesity is beginning to exceed American obesity and without a change they may soon surpass America as a whole. The title of “most obese country” is not a title to be proud of and things need to change.
Obesity awareness needs to be something regularly discussed and not taken lightly. The alarming risks for chronic diseases should be enough to stop obesity rates from rising however, given that it is a self-induced problem perhaps some type of Dr. enforced actions may need to be taken.
We want to hear from you! What is your opinion about this article, do you have any solutions, any recommendation? Leave your comment below or sign up and participate in the forums.