Weight Control

• 64% of adults over 20 years of age are overweight or obese. 
• 30% of adults over 20 years of age are obese. 
• 15% teenagers aged between 12 and 19 are overweight.
• 15% of children aged between 6 and 11 years are overweight. 

(Recent Data for USA). 

• Being Overweight is defined by an excess amount of weight, compared to set standards. This excess weight may came from bone, muscle, fat and/or body water. 
• Obesity is defined by an excess amount of body fat. Men with more than 25% body fat, and women with more than 30% body fat are considered obese.

People become overweight or obese by consuming more calories than they burn up.

There are a number of influences that lead to overweight or obesity: 

• Lack of physical activity. 
• Diets that are high in fat and simple carbohydrates. 
• Genetics,- a family history of overweight or obesity. 
• Environment,- negative emotions like boredom, sadness or anger, can influence eating habits and lead to over-indulgence.

Yes, if excess weight is located mainly around the middle, (apple shape), it is more likely to lead to obesity-related health problems, than if the weight is around the hips (pear shape).

Overweight or obesity can increase the risk of developing several health problems, including:

• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• Heart disease 
• Stroke 
• Certain types of cancer 
• Arthritis 
• Kidney Disease 

Physical exercise, plays an important part in the prevention of overweight and obesity. In order to maintain a healthy stable weight, a person needs to expend the same amount of calories as those consumed. 

A good way to burn off extra calories is to engage in regular physical activities beyond the usual routine.

Most experts recommend that someone attempting to lose a large amount of weight, should first consult a personal physician or health care professional before beginning a weight-loss program.