A BMI of 30 and above is defined as obese. Your risk of developing weight-related problems increases as your BMI increases. The second method of assessing your health risk is to determine your waist circumference. With a tape measure, measure your waist at the point below your rib cage but above your belly button. Other health conditions associated with excess weight include stroke, sleep apnea and other respiratory problems, osteoarthritis and gallbladder disease.
Gallstones occur three times more often in overweight individuals.
Fortunately, research has shown that losing 5 percent to 10 percent of initial body weight can substantially reduce the risk of developing weight-related conditions. The essential ingredients of any program for weight management should include sensible portions, moderation of fat and daily physical activity. Everything leads back to calories. In other words, calories do count. No magic pill or celebrity diet will substitute for weight management.