General Health

Am I Overweight or Obese?

Obesity may lead to various health risks, including pregnancy complications and various types of diseases.

Medically Inspected by: Loreta D. Dayco, MD, Edilberto B. Garcia, Jr., MD, and Maria Christina H. Ventura, MD

Obesity is among the most common health concerns worldwide, and is a persistent issue across age groups. Did you know some countries already consider it a public health crisis? But what does obese mean? How can one qualify as obese? And what are the health risks involved if you are? Read on to learn more.

What is obesity?

The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity as “the abnormal or excessive fat accumulation presenting a risk to health." In simpler terms, one is considered overweight or obese when they weigh more than what is healthy for their height. A tool called body mass index (BMI) provides a numeric value to help estimate the amount of body fat relative to your height and weight. Overweight and obese both pertain to excessive body fatness; their main difference is the range of their BMI values. A BMI of 25 to 30 classifies as overweight, while a BMI of 30 and above is already considered obese.

Obesity in the Philippines

In the Philippines, a survey from the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute found that an estimated 27 million Filipinos are either overweight or obese. In 2019, 36.6% of obese are among adults. It was projected that by 2030, more than 30% of Filipino adolescents to become obese.

Risks of obesity

Obesity can affect various facets of our health. It can increase the risk of several conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart attack, certain types of cancers, and even mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Obesity may also make you more prone to complications if you are pregnant, putting you at risk for miscarriage and/or preeclampsia—a blood pressure condition that can occur during pregnancy.

Tips to prevent obesity

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), obesity is a health concern that has no “single or simple solution.” It is a public health issue requiring a multilayered response.

To get started on a healthier routine, you can practice healthy eating habits and have regular physical activities throughout the week. Specific things you might consider doing:

Limit intake of processed and sugary foods and drinks. Instead, consume healthier options like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Lessen intake of “bad” fat and focus on consuming “good” fat. “Bad” fats include trans fat found in processed food, while “good” fats include unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish.
Make sure you are getting enough nutrients from the food you are consuming. Some studies have shown that people with obesity may register lower levels of various vitamins, including vitamin D and B-vitamins. If your diet cannot accommodate food rich in these nutrients, consult a doctor for vitamin supplements you can take on top of your diet.
Limit usage of mobile devices and other activities that prolong your “sit time.” Instead, incorporate physical activities that allow you to stand up and move around. Engaging in regular physical activity and exercises help in reducing excess weight, or maintaining a healthy weight.

Maintaining your ideal weight is vital to reduce the risk of developing serious health complications. To get you started, find a stable support system of loved ones to guide and encourage you through the process of developing and sticking to a healthier routine. Every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle—regardless of how small—contributes to your overall weight loss journey.

You may also watch this UMEDucates video on obesity for more information.

General disclaimer

Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.

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