How Do We Know If We Are Obese?

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Video: How Do We Know If We Are Obese?

Video: How Do We Know If We Are Obese?
Video: 7 Ways to Know If You Are Obese ? | Overweight | Obesity Tests 2024, November
How Do We Know If We Are Obese?
How Do We Know If We Are Obese?
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Body fat performs the functions of a reservoir of energy, thermal insulation, protection against blows to the human body. In general, women have more body fat than men. Obesity occurs when calorie intake exceeds the amount of energy a person burns.

The disease itself often has more than one cause. Genetic assumption, environment, psychological state and other factors influence the onset of the disease. According to experts, men with body fat over 25%, and women over 30% are considered obese.

Measuring a person's body weight down to the last detail is not an easy task. It is best to do it under water, which is considered the most accurate method of measuring fat. This procedure can be performed only in a special laboratory with specialized equipment.

Measurement of body fat

There are also two easier methods for measuring body fat, but they can give inaccurate results if performed by an inexperienced person, or if a person with a severe form of obesity is being tested. The first method measures the thickness of the skin fold in different parts of the body.

The second involves the release of a harmless amount of current into the human body, known as bioelectrical resistance analysis. Both methods are widely used in health clubs and commercial weight loss programs, but the results should be viewed with some skepticism.

How do we know if we are obese?
How do we know if we are obese?

Using tables

Measuring body fat is really not an easy task and even doctors themselves often rely on other methods to diagnose obesity. Two of the widely used methods are weight versus height and body mass index tables. Although both methods have their limitations, they are reliable indicators that someone has a weight problem. They are easy to calculate and do not require special equipment.

Body Mass Index (BMI) - Body mass index

Body mass index (BMI) is a new concept for most people. However, most doctors and obesity researchers use it as a measurement system. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person's height and weight. BMI is equal to human weight in kilograms divided by height in square meters.

(BMI = kg / m 2). The necessary mathematical and metric transformations are made in the table placed here. To use the table, find the corresponding height in the left column. Move in order to the specified weight. The number at the top of the column is the BMI corresponding to this weight and mass.

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