Be Aware Of Obesity’s Dangers
While obesity itself does not technically kill people, between 100,000 to 400,000 Americans die each year from the diseases associated with it. Even at the conservative estimates, it is still a massive death toll; much higher than other causes of death which get a lot more press attention.
So, how do you know if you are obese? A formula called the body mass index, or BMI, is used to work out who is obese. While those with BMIs of between 25 and 29 are classified as being overweight, those at 30 to 40 are regarded as being obese. Regardless of exactly where you come on this scale, it is important to know the dangers of carrying around too much weight.
Remember that the heart must work 24/7 to pump blood to supply and move this extra weight, and there is no replacing a heart if it fails. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US, and those with a BMI of above 25 have at least twice the risk of dying from it.
Since over 80% of people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes are also overweight, there is also a definite link between obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, cancer has long been a killer many feared, and it appears that being overweight increases the risk of some types of cancers, including colon, kidney and esophagus.
These are just a few of the fatal diseases that have been linked to being obese. Diseases which are usually not life threatening, but affect quality of life are also a much greater risk for those who are overweight.
Those who are overweight need to need to do something about it if they are serious about living a long life. While there is a ton of information available on the Internet, it is always a good idea to check with a physician.
By first being aware of the dangers of obesity, people can hopefully be motivated to lose weight. If you are concerned about your own weight, then you should check your BMI today, and start taking immediate action if necessary.
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