Obesity Facts
There are some very specific obesity facts that distinguish being obese from just being overweight or needing to lose a few pounds. Some obesity facts are commonly known, others are not. We put together a collection here of some of the most significant obesity facts.
• In order to be classified as obese, a person must weigh 20 percent more than normal, or have a BMI higher than 30.
• A BMI that is over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.
• When someone is morbidly obese, their risk of death from any cause can increase from 50-150 percent.
• Obesity and being overweight are the second leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Key word: preventable.
• Being overweight and obese has reached epidemic proportions in America today, according to the Surgeon General of the United States.
• Being obese increases a person's risk for serious illnesses like high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea and joint problems, and children with obesity are entering this danger zone at younger ages than ever.
• Researchers have said that obesity is "socially contagious" which means that a person is more likely to become obese if their friends and family are also obese.
• Obesity rates in the United States were rising steadily for 25 years, according to the CDC, until they entered a time period with little or no significant change from 2003 through 2006.
• Middle-aged adults, in the 40-59 age group, are more likely to be obese than their younger and older counterparts.
• Women are more likely than men to be obese in all age groups.
• Studies have shown that 8 out of every 10 Americans over the age of 25 weigh more than what is healthy and normal for their body type.
• Poor people are more likely to be overweight and obese than people with higher economic standing. In women, those with a lower social status are obese six times more frequently than their counterparts with more money.
• Obesity is also more prevalent among minorities, with black women being the most negatively affected.
• People with an apple shape have more weight around their middle, also known as a pot belly or spare tire. Carrying excess fat around the abdominal area increases the risk even further for those serious diseases that are linked to obesity. A woman's waist should be less than 35 inches, while a man's should be less than 40 inches.
• Type II Diabetes used to only affect adults, but it is now being diagnosed among young people, and obesity is thought to be connected to this significant change.
• Even though it is commonly known that unhealthy diet and lack of exercise cause obesity, an overwhelming number of people still do not practice a healthy life style. It is estimated that over half of Americans do not get the recommended amount of daily activity, and only a quarter of Americans eat a healthy and balanced diet.