Facts about Obesity

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg per m2 or more. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg per m2. About 35 percent of American adults (aged 20 years of age or older) are overweight. In addition, 14 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11, and 12 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 are overweight.
Pathophysiology. The adipocyte has endocrine capabilities and secretes leptin — a protein product of the ob gene — in response to increased stores of energy. Leptin limits food intake by acting upon the OB receptor in the hypothalamus. In many obese adults, leptin levels are increased, whereas leptin uptake into the central nervous system is low.
Diagnosis of obesity begins with the determination of BMI. The BMI can be ascertained by measuring the patient’s height and weight and then using a BMI table to find the BMI value.

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