Obesity and Exercise

Posted on August 6th, 2024 by Andries Lodder

Obesity is excesses weight or body fat that generally associated with negative health consequences. It is defined by the body mass index (BMI) scale which can classify if someone is underweight, at the normal weight, overweight or obese in relation to their height. Obesity is increasingly becoming more common in modern society, and it is having adverse health affects to the general population.

Classification

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure to classify individuals into categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. It is calculated using the following formula: BMI= weight (kg)/height (m)².

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
Obesity:

Class I (Moderate): BMI between 30 and 34.9
Class II (Severe): BMI between 35 and 39.9
Class III (Very severe or morbid obesity): BMI 40 or greater

These classifications are based on the correlation between BMI and body fat, which varies by age, sex, and other factors. However, BMI does not directly measure body fat percentage and may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with significant muscle mass. Therefore, while BMI is a useful screening tool, it should be interpreted alongside other measurements and clinical assessments for a comprehensive evaluation of health status.

Obesity comes with several health risk which in turn increase your chances of mortality. A person with obesity may experience:

Cardiovascular Health: Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Excess weight leads to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and other cardiovascular problems.
Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It can lead to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
Respiratory Issues: Breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma can be exacerbated by obesity. Fat accumulation around the neck can also obstruct the airways.
Joint Problems: Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, particularly in the knees and hips, leading to osteoarthritis.
Cancer: Obesity increases the risk of several types of cancer, including colorectal, breast (postmenopausal), endometrial, and kidney cancers.
Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more common in obese individuals and can progress to liver inflammation and cirrhosis.
Psychological and Social Effects: Obesity can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It may also result in social stigmatization and discrimination.
Reproductive Issues: In women, obesity can lead to infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and complications during pregnancy. In men, it can reduce fertility and sexual function.
Gastrointestinal Problems: Gallbladder disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more prevalent in obese individuals.

Managing Obesity with exercise

To effectively manage obesity through exercise, it’s recommended to aim for a combination of aerobic exercise (like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling) and strength training (using weights or body weight exercises) on a regular basis. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified fitness professional before starting an exercise program, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions or concerns related to obesity. A personalized approach that combines exercise with dietary changes and other lifestyle modifications is often the most effective strategy for managing and reducing obesity.

Please feel free to contact us on social media or on our website.