Obesity

About obesity and overweight

Do you weigh more than you should? If so, you're like the two-thirds of American adults who are overweight. About one in three American adults is considered to be obese.  The numbers in Cleveland are similar:  about 33% of Clevelanders are obese. 

Obesity means having a high proportion of body fat.  A certain amount of fat in our bodies is healthy—it helps us store energy and insulates our bodies.  But too much fat can cause serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. 

Many factors contribute to overweight and obesity.  Some of them are uncontrollable—like your genetics, family history and hormones.  But many of the risk factors for obesity can be controlled, and you have the power to change them.  The good news is that even modest weight loss, when done responsibly, can improve your health.

You have some control over some of the factors that can contribute to overweight and obesity:

  1. Nutrition—Eating high-calorie, high-fat foods regularly or eating large portion sizes can cause you to gain weight.  Foods and beverages that are high in sugar (like soft drinks, candy and desserts) can also contribute to being overweight or obese.
  2. Physical activity—People who aren’t physically active are more likely to gain weight because they don’t burn as many calories.  Everything you eat puts calories into your body.  Physical activity (like walking, climbing the stairs or playing with your kids) burns these calories.  If you don’t use all the calories you’re eating, they build up in your body as fat and extra weight.

Am I overweight or obese?

Overweight and obesity in adults is measured by a number calculated from your weight and height.  This number is called your Body Mass Index, or BMI. 

Click here to calculate your own BMI

Dangers of being overweight or obese
 
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
  • Hypertension
  • Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
  • Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)