Overweight

Joselyn Coello

Jenniffer Once

The OverweightOverweight is having more body fat than is optimally healthy. Being overweight is common especially where food supplies are plentiful and lifestyles are sedentary.

Excess weight has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than 1 billion adults being either overweight or obese in 2003. In 2013 this increased to more than 2 billion. Increases have been observed across all age groups.

ClassificationO Body mass index.O Body volume indexO Simple weighingO Skinfold calipers or

¨pinch test¨O Bioelectrical

impedance analysisO Hydrostatic weighingO (DEXA) Dual-Energy-X-

ray absorptimetry

What causes obesity and overweight?

The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally, there has been:

O an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat.

O an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.

How can overweight and obesity be reduced?

O limit energy intake from total fats and sugars.

O increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts.

O engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes a day for children and 150 minutes per week for adults).

O support individuals in following the recommendations above, through sustained political commitment and the collaboration of many public and private stakeholders.

O make regular physical activity and healthier dietary choices.