Almost 100 million Americans are obese or overweight. What is obesity? it is a condition caused by the accumulation of excess body fat. Obesity not only affect Americans, but it is a worldwide epidemic. Almost 40% of the people in the U.S. are obese including children. 15% of children ages 6-11 and 16% of children 12-19 are overweight.
One can be classified as normal, overweight or obese by calculating their BMI, Body Mass Index. This is based on your weight and height. One is considered being overweight if their BMI is 25-29, and obese if their BMI is over 30.
Sedentary lifestyles and surplus caloric intake are causes of obesity. Obesity contributes to many chronic illnesses. It can contribute to joint pain and the inability to perform simple daily activities. Proper supervised physical activity can help individuals who are overweight or obese manage their weight.
I’m Steve Taylor, Physical Therapist of Southern Physical and Occupational Therapy Services
Moving You To A Pain-Free Lifestyle
