Health implications of obesity

Article Abstract:

Obesity is a national health problem, which has been estimated to affect 25 percent of the American population. The body mass index (BMI) is a commonly used indicator of obesity; it is calculated by determining the body weight in kilograms and dividing it by the height measured in square meters (kg/m2). If a woman has a BMI greater than 27, or a man has a BMI greater than 28, then they are considered to be overweight. Previous studies have shown that obesity is more common among minority populations than in whites, and more common in women and the poor. Obesity is an important health concern because it is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Many studies have demonstrated that people who are obese have a greater chance of having high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, gallbladder disease, and high levels of sugar (glucose), fat (triglycerides) and cholesterol in their blood. Obese women have a greater risk of mortality from endometrial cancer (cancer in the uterus) and obese men have a greater risk of having colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon, or large intestine, and rectum). Joint disease, gout, low levels of oxygen in the blood, and breath disorders during sleep (sleep apnea) are more common in people with severe obesity. In recent years, it has become apparent that the location of the body fat is an important factor in predicting the health risks associated with obesity. Excessive body fat in the abdominal area, also called central body fat, is the most dangerous because it is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes than body fat located on the upper or lower parts of the body. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Complications and side effects, Overweight persons

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Weight loss and change in resting metabolic rate

Article Abstract:

The relationship between the change in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and fat-free mass (FFM), following weight loss, is not well known. RMR and FFM were measured in 35 obese patients participating in a weight-loss program. When RMR is expressed per kilogram of FFM, the decrease in RMR following weight loss appears to be entirely accounted for by a loss of FFM. However, when the RMR values were adjusted to take into account the loss in FFM during weight loss, the decrease in RMR was significantly greater than that predicted by the decrease in FFM. When the decrease in FFM during weight loss was taken into account, the ratio of RMR/FFM did not change. However, there was a significant relationship between the change in RMR and body fat content. These findings indicate that the change in body fat content, but not the change in FFM, is a good predictor of the decrease in RMR following weight loss. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Measurement, Metabolic regulation, Basal metabolism

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Weight loss with self-help compared with a structured commercial program: a randomized trial

Article Abstract:

Weight Watchers can help people lose more weight than they would have on their own, according to a study of 423 overweight or obese men and women. Even so, weight loss was modest, since the average weight loss was three to nine pounds at one year and one-half to six pounds at two years.

United States, Product information, Methods, Weight loss, Weight loss industry, Diet industry, WW Group Inc.

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