Overweight facts for kids
Overweight means a person has more fat in their body than what is usually considered healthy for their height. It's a common condition that affects many people around the world.
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What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
To figure out if someone is overweight, doctors often use something called the body mass index (BMI). BMI is a number based on a person's weight and height. It helps give an idea of how much body fat they might have.
How BMI is Calculated
You can calculate BMI using a simple formula. It takes your weight in kilograms and divides it by the square of your height in meters. For example, if you weigh 60 kg and are 1.6 meters tall, your BMI would be 60 / (1.6 * 1.6).
BMI Categories
Doctors use BMI to place people into different groups:
- A BMI of 25 or more means a person is considered overweight.
- A BMI of 30 or more means a person is considered obese. This is a more serious level of overweight.
These numbers help health experts understand general health risks.
Health and Being Overweight
Being overweight can sometimes lead to certain health issues. However, it's important to know that not everyone who is overweight will have health problems.
Possible Health Concerns
Some health problems linked to being overweight include:
- Type 2 diabetes: This is a condition where your body has trouble controlling blood sugar.
- Heart problems: Being overweight can put extra strain on your heart.
- Joint pain: Extra weight can make joints like knees and hips hurt.
Healthy Overweight People
Interestingly, some people who are overweight are still very healthy. Their bodies work well, and they don't have the health problems often linked to extra weight. This shows that health is more than just a number on a scale. Your body's fat can also store energy. This energy can help your body heal when you are sick.
Managing Weight
Many people who are overweight try to manage their weight. They often do this to improve their health or feel better.
Diet and Exercise
Two common ways people try to manage their weight are:
- Eating healthy: This means choosing nutritious foods and eating balanced meals. It's often called 'dieting', but it's more about making smart food choices.
- Being active: Regular exercise helps burn calories and build strong muscles. This can include sports, walking, or dancing.
It's important to know that losing weight can be hard. Sometimes, people who try to diet might even gain weight back later.
Other Methods
Some people might try other things to help with weight management. These can include special teas, powders, or pills. It's always best to talk to a doctor before trying any of these.
Overweight in Animals
It's not just humans who can be overweight! Many animals, especially pets, can also become overweight. Just like people, overweight animals can face health challenges.
Social Views on Weight
Sometimes, people who are overweight are treated unfairly. Some people wrongly think that being overweight means a person is lazy or not good. This unfair treatment is called fatphobia. It's important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, no matter their body size.
Global Trends
The number of overweight people around the world is growing. More than 1.4 billion adults globally are overweight. This shows it's a widespread issue that many countries are trying to address.
See also
In Spanish: Sobrepeso para niños
