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The Definition of Obesity
Definition of Obesity
A person is considered obese when the percentage of body fat, according to age and sex, exceeds 5% of the average percentage for that age and sex classification.
Young women are considered obese when body fat is 25% or greater; middle-aged women are considered obese when body fat is 30% or greater.
Young men are considered obese when body fat is 20% or greater; middle-aged men are obese when body fat is 30% or greater.
Age-Based Definition of Obesity
In developed countries, obesity occurs frequently among the lower classes, whereas in underdeveloped countries, obesity occurs more frequently among the upper classes.
The lowest body fat percentage is genetically set, but the maximum percentage is heavily affected by the person's environmental factors.
Dissatisfaction and stress can cause obesity.
Overweight
Note: the following formulas are given according to the metric system, and require translation to inches and pounds.
Overweight: The condition in which body weight is excessively greater than the standard body weight.
Determining standard or ideal body weight: subtract 100 from a person's height to estimate a person's standard body weight; this does not apply to children. People taller than 160 cm, should subtract 110 to estimate their standard body weight.
Another method is subtracting 100 and multiplying this number by 0.9 (height-100) * 0.9=standard body weight. People less than 155 cm, should subtract 100 from their height to determine their standard body weight.
Overweight= height - 110 + 10%.
Basal Metabolic Rate
BMR is the energy used to maintain essential biological functions like circulation, breathing, digestion, maintaining body temperature, and neural and cellular activity.
The basal metabolic rate differs depending on sex, age, race, endocrine system, and body surface area, but normal adults consume 1200-1800 kcal daily, 60-70% of total energy consumption.
The BMR is higher in persons with greater body surface area, for example, a tall, skinny person versus a short, fat person of the same body weight.
Men have higher BMRs because they have more muscle tissue.
If a fever is present, the amount of energy needed by cells increases.
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