What is Obesity? How is it defined??

Obesity is a complex disorder characterized by excess body fat which increases the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, some forms of tumors and other various diseases. There is an increasing incidence worldwide and in the Philippines, the incidence of overweight is 19.6% and obesity of 4.3% based on FNRI data (1998). How do we screen for obese individuals? Screening includes measurement of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and evaluation of overall medical risk. BMI evaluates the weight in relation to height. For Filipinos, BMI of 18.5-22.9 is normal, 23-24.9 overweight, 25-29.9 obese 1, and >30 is obese 2. Waist circumference correlates with the absolute amount of abdominal fat accumulation. A waist circumference of >35 inches in men and >31 inches for women may represent the critical threshold in which metabolic complications are more likely to develop. Causes of obesity include genetics, environmental, endocrine and genetic syndromes. Counseling of all overweight and obese patients on diet, lifestyle, and goals for weight loss is necessary to prevent the complications of this complex disorder.font>