What Does It Mean to Be Overweight?
By 2030, approximately 80% of adults will have pre-obesity (overweight) or obesity.
Overweight, per medical standards, is a BMI between 25-29.9. Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of a person’s weight divided by their height.
Overweight has also been termed pre-obesity. Does being pre-obese increase the risk of adverse health outcomes?
The risk for all-cause mortality increases throughout the overweight range. Meaning our risk of poor health outcomes really begins at a BMI of 25 and increases with every pound we gain.
Disease specific risk and mortality also increase starting at a BMI of 25 for many diseases:
· Diabetes
· Cardiovascular disease
· Cancer
· Musculoskeletal disorders
· Mood disorders
· Stroke
· Infertility
· Respiratory disease
· Cognitive decline
The lowest point of risk for multiple diseases is a BMI from 21-25 (normal 18.5-24.9).
As a caveat, using BMI alone for weight/health is fraught with concern but remains an easy clinical screening tool. BMI does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle, or bone mass, nor does it provide any indication of the distribution of fat among individuals. BMI can be overstated in muscular individuals and understated in sarcopenic obesity (low skeletal muscle mass coupled with excess fat accumulation). While not yet standard, body fat percentage is likely a better marker.
Future peril is also determined by the timing of weight gain. A moderate increase in weight from early to mid-adulthood is the highest risk.
The number of years lived with obesity correlates with mortality. Mortality risks also remain higher in individuals with a history of overweight/obesity than those who have maintained a normal weight their entire lifespan.
Excess weight diminishes almost every aspect of health, from reproductive and respiratory function to memory and mood. However, losing as little as 5-10% of body weight can offer meaningful health benefits.
Pre-obesity is a great place to begin with intensive dietary and lifestyle modifications. Other treatment options, including medications and devices, might be appropriate depending on associated comorbidities (other illnesses) and overall health.
It’s never too late to start! Early action should be considered to prevent progression to obesity. Success is increased when involved in a comprehensive weight loss treatment plan.
Read more on specific dietary and lifestyle interventions, why it’s so difficult to lose weight, and understanding obesity as a chronic disease here: