Obesity Statistics

Obesity is a state when one has extra fat accumulated in the body. The body mass index or BMI is a statistical estimate of a person’s weight in comparison to his or her height. This BMI is derived at by dividing a person’s body weight by the square of his or her height. This helps to measure the obesity factor of a particular population. The various health issues that are a product of obesity should not be underestimated. Obesity puts pressure on the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, and respiratory system, leading to hypertension, heart attack, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. Research shows that one third of all Americans are obese. The statistics for other wealthy countries are not different. Child obesity statistics are also alarming. An estimated 15 percent of children are obese. The number of obese children has doubled in the last 20 years. Furthermore, the number of obese adolescents has tripled. A study conducted on 12 to 15-year-old students showed that the blood pressure of 19.7 percent of children was higher than the normal level. An estimated 30.5 of adult men and women are on the obese side. As one ages, the obesity factor increases. Some 68 percent of women and 76 percent of men between 55 years and 64 years of age are obese. Lack of activity and poor eating habits are the major causes of obesity. Out of men dying due to gallbladder disorders, 75 percent are obese. Among those with normal weight, only 0.7 percent suffers from diabetes. Those who are overweight by 50 percent were found to be having a 10 percent higher risk of diabetes. Furthermore, the rate of cancer in obese people was found to be higher by 10 percent. Around 42 percent of cases of breast cancer and colon cancer are diagnosed in obese people. There is also an increase in mortality rate as a result of obesity. Moderately obese people have their life expectancy reduced by two to five years.