Obesity versus Being Overweight: A Big Difference

More people are overweight in the United States than ever before. While a number of factors play into this phenomenon, the leading contributors are unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles.

Though some individuals are prone to thin frames and high metabolisms and can seemingly eat whatever they want without fear of gaining weight, not everyone can be so fortunate. Most people have a tendency toward weight gain if they don’t adhere to some basic tenets of a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, sticking to a good diet and exercise regimen can allow an individual to stay fit, agile and relatively lean; or at least achieve an optimal physique for their particular body type.

Being Overweight versus Obesity

For those considered “overweight,” it might just be a matter of losing 15 or 20 pounds to get back into shape. Body mass index (BMI) is a universally-accepted method of calculating weight in proportion to height for men and women. Our BMI indicates the level of excess fat we might be carrying on our bodies. Even if an individual is 20 to 40 pounds over their optimal BMI, they would not be considered obese. With some discipline and incorporation of healthy habits, it is well within reach for these folks to gain control of their weight.

A BMI number between 18 and 25 is considered to be in the “normal” weight range. A number in the 25-30 range is considered overweight; and a number of 30 or higher is considered obese. If an individual registers a BMI of 40 or over, that person is considered “morbidly” obese. Being overweight by more than 100 pounds will also put someone in the “obese” category.

Causes of Obesity…and the Risks

Genetics can play a part in one’s tendency toward obesity. A person’s metabolic rate and the way their body cells store fat are hereditary. But in most cases, an unhealthy lifestyle is seen as the main cause of obesity. Irregularities in one’s eating patterns, overeating and a lack of physical activity are some of the key contributors.

The risk of serious health problems is greatly increased in those who are obese, especially the morbidly obese. Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and coronary artery disease are a few of the potentially life threatening illnesses that can develop within obese people. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems are prevalent within these folks, as are a wide variety of other health-related complications.

How to Address Obesity?

The formula for weight loss is pretty simple: Change in diet focusing on decreased fat intake, and an increase in physical activity. However, things are different for many obese individuals. Yes, there are many success stories among those who were obese and able to overcome great odds. But it can be a slow and arduous process for these folks to lose enough weight to make a difference in their health at a level that will better their overall quality of life.

However, there are alternatives, such as bariatric weight loss surgery. This surgery includes procedures such as gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomies that bypass, reconstruct or remove part of the stomach. Obesity surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but can give an obese person a good head start toward a healthier life in a short period of time.

Bariatric surgeon Kevin Huguet of Bay Surgical Specialists is the author of this article about bariatric weight loss surgery. Bay Surgical Specialists is a group practice of board-certified hernia surgeons, bariatric surgeons and vascular surgeons in St. Petersburg, Fla. The doctors of Bay Surgical Specialists are experts in laparoscopic surgery, breast surgery and a variety of other procedures.