The role of the diet

Preventing underweight, overweight, & obesity

The body mass index (BMI) was created to determine a healthy weight depending on an individuals weight and height.  When a person height and weight do not fall in line with the normal range, they are at risk for chronic disease.  If a person is not within the normal ranges, the body is deficient and malnourished.


(Free BMI Calculator, 2013).

Underweight

According to the chart, underweight is a BMI less than 18.5.  The body is malnourished of the dire nutrients it needs to function properly.  The immunity will be low and susceptible to illness.  Underweight people need to gain the weight needed for proper energy storage; they are also at risk for Osteoporosis.  " Being underweight conferred a greater risk in Congestive Heart Failure patients with normal systolic function [RR 1.66 (1.29-2.14), compared with normal weight] than in patients with reduced systolic function [RR 1.11 (0.87-1.42), P for interaction 0.03]. In patients with systolic dysfunction, obesity was associated with increased risk compared with normal weight [RR 1.21 (1.01-1.45)]" (Gustafsson, Kragelund, Torp-Pedersen, Seibeak. Burchardt, Akkan,,..Kober, 2005).  In order to become a normal weight a person must increase their caloric intake to more than what they are exerting. 

 

Overweight

People who have a BMI greater than 24.9  and less than 30.0 are considered overweight.  Being over weight puts you at risk for many chronic diseases such as: cardio vascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.  When a person is overweight they must reduce the amount of calories they are taking in and increase the physical activity.

 Obesity

Obesity occurs in individuals who have BMI greater than 29.9; obesity itself is considered a chronic disease.  Being obese puts are person at a greater risk of being diagnosed with one of the diseases listed above.  Many experience bouts of depression from low self-esteem due to their outward appearance.  A person needs to change their behaviors all the way around if they intend on being in the normal range.  Reduction in calories does not mean to stop eating; this will only store fat as the body goes into starvation mode.  A person must continue to eat small healthy meals throughout the day to keep the metabolism going.  Increasing physical activity while decreasing energy consumed will result in weight loss.