Overweight and Obesity are both are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is considered healthy for a given height. For adults, Overweight and Obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is used because for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat.

An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered Overweight

An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered Obese.

Body Mass index can be calculated using Kilograms and meters (or Centimeters)

BMI = WEIGHT IN KILOGRAMS
(HEIGHT IN METERS) X (HEIGHT IN METERS)

STEPS IN PREVENTING OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY

Be physically active. This plays a key role in energy balance because it uses up calories consumed. It is recommended that a person accumulate at least 30 minutes (Adults) or 60 minutes (Children) of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Greater amounts of physical activity may be necessary for the prevention if weight gain, for weight loss or for sustaining weight loss. Additionally, if your job does not require you to expend so much energy, then engage in leisure time activity like walking. Skating, biking, swimming, dancing, tennis, football, and aerobics.

To prevent Overweight and Obesity, reduce the amount of time you and your family spend on sedentary activity such as watching TV or playing video games.

Eat meals together as a family as often as possible.

Carefully cut down on the amount of fat and calories in your diet. Plan for healthy snacks.

Dont place yourself in a restrictive diet.

Drink lots of water and limit your intake of beverages with added sugars, such as soft drinks, fruit juice drinks and sports drinks.

Stock your refrigerators with fat-free or low fat milk, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Aim to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Dont cultivate the habit of eating meals or snacks while watching TV if you want to prevent Overweight and Obesity.

Eating a healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day and may be important in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Overweight and Obesity are a result of energy imbalance over a period of time. The cause of energy imbalance for each individual may be due to a combination of several factors. Individual behaviors, environmental factors, and genetics all contribute to the complexity of the obesity epidemic. However, the choices a person makes in eating and physical activity also contributes to Overweight and Obesity.

Without doubt, adherence to the steps as enunciated in this article will help prevent and stop overweight and obesity in its track. Healthy Living is a one stop shop for basic information, preventive tips, curative measures on health related topics.

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