Obesity is often diagnosed through Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Although this method is most often accurate in determining whether an individual is obese, there has been some debate into its accurateness in all circumstances as a BMI reading does not account for muscle mass; if doctors were to go off BMI alone a majority of professional athletes would be classified as obese.
| Classification | BMI score (kg/m2) | Risk of co-morbidity (multiple diseases) |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.50 | Low risk (but risk of other clinical problems increased) |
| Normal range | 18.50–24.99 | Average risk |
| Overweight | 25.00–29.99 | Increased risk |
| Obese:
Obese (class I)
Obese (class II)
Obese (class III)
|
≥ 30.00
30.00–34.99
35.00–39.99
≥ 40.00
|
High risk
Moderate risk
Severe risk
Very severe risk
|
What is your BMI? Click here to find out
Obesity is a serious modifiable issue that can not only effect the health and well being of individuals, but can also place pressure on communities and health systems. People who are obese are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke in addition to some common cancers (Ministry of Health, 2004). Public health systems are being stretched to cover the growing number of medical interventions required in managing the disease (Ministry of Health, 2013).
Importantly obesity is also noted to be detrimental to an individuals psychological well being; bullying, poor self esteem, lack of positive reciprocal relationships along with being stereotyped as lazy are all issues obese individuals often struggle with on a regular basis (Komesaroff as cited in Doheny, 2008). The Ministry of Education is acknowledging the seriousness of this issue and have a page dedicated to the help and support of obese and overweight New Zealanders who wish to make a change.
Is the obesity epidemic really stuck with us or does New Zealand hold the power to change?
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