Difference Between Overweight and Obese

The amount of fat in the body affect the appearance, attraction and health also. Over weight and obesity are the problems of over nourished people. However there are some rare genetic causes for obesity, the excess intake of carbohydrates and fat and lack of exercise are the leading causes for obesity and over weight.

The exact amount of the fat cannot be measured by a direct method. So there are many tools to measure it indirectly. BMI (body mass index) is the most popular to measure the body weight in relation to the height. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight(in kg) by the (Height in meters). Body fat percentage will calculate the body fat, but still BMI is used to determine the over weight and obesity of the human body.

BMI reference range may vary from country to country. It is because of the variation of the people in the country. Usually BMI 25 taken as cut off for overweight. BMI 25 to 30 is considered as overweight. Over 30 is classified as obesity. Obesity is again classified as class 1,II and III depends on the value.

Overweight people should do regular exercise and dieting to reduce the weight and keep the BMI below 25. Obese people need to give more priority to reduce weight. Obesity is a well known risk factor for several diseases. Diabetes Mellitus type 2, cardio vascular diseases and heart attack are some of the examples. Both overweight and obese people will develop arthritis and joint problems due to their weight.

Summary

• Both overweight and obesity are unhealthy conditions.

• Both are diagnosed by using BMI.

• BMI 25 to 30 is considered as overweight.

• BMI above 30 is considered as Obesity.

• Over weight people are at risk of developing obesity

• Obese people are at more risk of developing many diseases.