What Does Being Overweight Mean?

The meaning of overweight refers to the high body weight which is more than the normal or healthy limit for a person of a certain height. Being overweight can be due to excess body fat but also because of extra muscle, water or bone density. The medical definition of overweight is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is measured by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres. If your BMI falls within the range of 25 - 29.9 kg/m², then you shall be considered overweight. Whereas, a BMI of more than 30 is considered obese, meaning excessive body fat.

But What Leads to Becoming Overweight?

Let’s understand what are the reasons for becoming overweight and obese:

• Increased Calorie Intake

When you consume more calories than you burn throughout the day, this can easily lead to weight gain. Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle can result in fewer calories being burned throughout the day.

• Genetics

Some studies have shown that genetics also play a crucial role in developing obesity. Genes may increase the chances of weight gain or obesity in certain people.

• Health Conditions

Hormone problems and certain medications might also result in weight gain and becoming overweight. These conditions include underactive thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.

• Other Factors

Some other factors that may increase the chances of gaining weight and eventually leading to obesity are lack of sleep, chronic stress, etc. Not getting enough sleep may disrupt your metabolism. Furthermore, studies have consistently shown that chronic stress is linked to higher levels of obesity.

So, What are the Symptoms of Being Overweight?

When it comes to the overweight symptoms and signs, there are no such specific ones. However, you can make use of our BMI calculator to estimate your Body Mass Index to check if you are overweight. For further confirmation, it is advised to consult a medical professional and avoid self-diagnosing.

Find Out if You are Overweight/Obese

You can easily determine if you are overweight and diagnose it in either of the ways:

• BMI

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most common tool to know if you are overweight. BMI provides a score by taking your height and weight into account. A score between 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal. Whereas, a BMI score between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight while a score of 30 or above is termed as obese.

• Waist Size

The size of the waist is another simple metric to know about obesity. Fat accumulation around the waist can lead to a host of diseases. A waist size of more than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women can be a sign of risk for various illnesses.

How to Solve Overweight and Obesity Problems?

Weight gain and obesity can be controlled through a focused action plan. Here are a few tips to maintain your weight and get overweight problem’s solutions:

• Weight-Management Programs

Such a weight-management program can help certain individuals follow a proper plan. It may include low-calorie diets, methods to change your lifestyle and habits, and increased physical activities. The specialist trainer shall work with you in sessions to ensure weight loss in a healthy way.

• Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

The quality and quantity of food that you have in a day is one of the biggest factors that contribute to weight gain. One needs to follow a disciplined diet plan to control weight. You can include nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. And avoid eatables with saturated fat and excessive sugar like processed food and cola.

• Special Diets

Your doctor may recommend a special diet that includes monitored calorie intake or structured meal plans. However, it is not advised to begin such special diets without the help of a medical professional if you are overweight or have any health conditions.

Some Home Remedies to Help With Obesity/Overweight

• Regular Exercise: Around 150-300 minutes of moderate to high-intensity physical activity is needed in a week to have an effect on your weight. The target can be achieved through enjoyable activities like speed-walking, swimming, or cycling.

• Weight Monitoring: Regularly monitoring your weight is important to keep a track of your weight loss efforts. People who monitor their weight every week have a better idea of their progress and are able to take remedial steps immediately.

• Following a Balanced Diet: Ensuring you follow a balanced diet and cut down on fast-food items can help greatly with preventing any weight gain. You can choose to have homemade food which is rich in nutrients and is a good source of vitamins and proteins!

When Should You Seek a Doctor?

If your weight is affecting your health and causing other medical issues, then it is probably the right time to seek a doctor’s help. As further weight gain can lead to obesity and result in ailments such as heart problems, consulting a medical professional might go a long way! Moreover, if your weight gain is impacting your emotional health, then it is advised to approach a doctor.

These are Some Complications of Being Overweight or Obese

The side-effects of being overweight can range from simple medical issues to complex metabolic and hormonal changes. So, let’s look at the health risks related to being overweight and its complications.

• Type-2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that leads to higher than normal blood sugar levels. Type-2 diabetes can double the risk of death where severely obese people are 10 times more likely to be affected by it. While genetic factors have a major impact on type-2 diabetes, excessive weight and poor diet also increase the chances.

• Hypertension

High blood pressure or hypertension is a side-effect of being overweight. Furthermore, it significantly increases the probability of hypertension and increases the pressure on the heart causing various cardiovascular diseases.

• Respiratory Disorders

Excessive weight affects the functioning of the lungs as well. People with obesity have been observed to have reduced lung capacity, which leads to asthma and other serious diseases like obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious disease that can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart failure.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

One of the biggest overweight problems is gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It causes the stomach secretions to leak into the oesophagus, which results in a feeling of indigestion, coughing, or heartburn.

 

Such health-related issues stress the importance of having sufficient coverage against emergencies as well as planned treatments! With an extensive insurance plan and the right add-on covers, you can gain access to affordable healthcare without any trouble.

All in All!

Obesity is a serious health issue that often goes unnoticed. While body weight can be controlled by an individual, obesity is sometimes a result of genetics. Along with the propensity to catch serious diseases, obese people also tend to spend more on health issues. By opting for a health insurance cover with Bajaj Markets, you can stop worrying about the treatment expenses that may arise out of any illness(es) triggered due to obesity.