Body fat can be measured in several ways. Some are very simple as in the use of a tape measure. Others use advanced and expensive equipment with sophisticated equations that more accurately estimate fat mass, muscle mass, water content and bone density. Each body fat assessment method has pros and cons.

However, the most commonly used and basic method of measuring body fat is the body mass index (BMI). The BMI can be calculated by diving the weight of a person in kg. by the square of his/her height in meters. This can also be approximately measured using pounds and inches as below with a 703-multiplication factor.

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)2, or BMI = 703 X (Weight (lb) / Height (in)2).

BMI tables as noted below, and online calculators make it easy for individuals to determine their own BMIs.

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health.

BMI Classification:

Underweight: <18.5

Normal : 18.5 – 24.9

Overweight: 25 – 29.9

Obese Class I (Moderately Obese): 30 – 34.9

Obese Class II (Severely Obese): 35 – 39.9

Obese Class III (Morbidly/Very Severely Obese): >40

II- Prevalence of Obesity in USA

The most recent national data on obesity prevalence among U.S. adults, adolescents, and children show that more than one-third of adults (78 million) and almost 17% (12.5 million) of children and adolescents were obese in 2009–2010 as noted in the table below. Obesity is now an epidemic that affects a major part of our society.

Source: National Health and Nutritional Examination survey (NHAYNES)

Differences in prevalence between men and women diminished between 1999–2000 and 2009–2010, with the prevalence of obesity among men reaching the same level as that among women.

The prevalence of obesity was higher among older women compared with younger women, but there was no difference by age in obesity prevalence among men.

Between 1999–2000 and 2009–2010, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity among boys but not as significant among girls.

Also the prevalence of obesity was higher among adolescents than among preschool-aged children.

III- Causes of Obesity:

The general conception is that obesity occurs because of eating too much and lack of motivation and exercise. Though those may be contributing factors, however obesity is a complex disorder with multiple causes. Obesity has not been classified as a disease until June 18, 2013 when for the first time the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association adopted a policy recognizing obesity as a disease with multiple pathophysiological aspects necessitating a large range of interventions.

The following are the more accepted causes for obesity:

1. Genetic.
2. Sedentary Behavior. With a sedentary lifestyle, you can easily take in more calories every day than you consume through exercise and normal daily activities.  This leads to weight gain.
3. Medical Problems. Certain disease as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and possibly hypothyroidism are associated with obesity. Arthritis also, can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain.
4. Medications. Some medications can lead to weight gain if one does not compensate for that through dieting and exercise. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, some diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and some hypertension medications.
5. Unhealthy diet and eating habits. High calorie diets, fast food, skipping breakfast, eating most of your calories at night, high-calorie beverages and oversized portions all contribute to weight gain.
6. Pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman’s weight necessarily increases. Some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women.
7. Lack of sleep. Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night can cause changes in hormones that increase one’s appetite. This may also have you crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.

However, of all above causes the genetic cause is believed to be the most common cause for obesity. Previous twin studies estimate genetic influence on obesity to be 60 – 70% and all other factors to contribute 30 – 40%.

It is also estimated that with one obese parent the chance that the child will be obese is 50%. However, if both parents are obese that chance increases to 80%.

Call us at: 561-427-2232 or e-mail us at Jupiter.florida@drgsweightloss.com for a free consultation at Dr. G’s WeightLoss and Wellness Center of Jupiter.