Categories
dieting exercise free trials weight loss

What Does It Really Mean to Be Overweight?

Obesity is an ever increasing problem in the US now-a-days. Studies show that over 66 percent of Americans can be categorized as either fat or obese, and the medical community is even going so far as to call it an epidemic. However, with today’s aesthetic standards as portrayed by the media and the fashion community, it can be very tough to decipher what is actually a healthy weight. No doctor would recommend trying to be stick-thin, but we all know that obesity is dangerous to the health. So, where is that healthy midline? What, exactly, does it mean to the general public to be “overweight?” Here are the plain facts:

Overweight
Overweight (Photo credit: just.Luc)

The definition. Being overweight means weighing more than what is healthy. This amount varies from person to person, as it depends on factors that are unique to each person’s build. Therefore, what is overweight for you might not be overweight for someone else.

Overweight compared to being obese. It is important that you understand that overweight does not necessarily mean obese. Healthy (or unhealthy) body weight is graded on a scale, including the categories of “normal weight,” “overweight,” “obese,” and “morbidly obese.” Each level has its own set of qualifying factors and, of course, morbidly obese is the most dangerous. Being overweight means being one step above normal weight, one step below obese, and two steps below morbidly obese.

What factors are used to determine overweight? Your body mass index (BMI) is used to determine where you are categorized on the health/morbidly-obese scale. Your BMI is a measure of your body’s composition, accounting for how much you weigh in relation to your height. There are various different methods to calculate BMI. The simplest is to use an online BMI calculator, but for the most exact figure, it is a good idea to see a doctor or nutritionist. If your BMI falls between 25 and 30, you are generally considered overweight. However, it is important to keep in mind that BMI has no way of accounting for your muscle to fat ratio. This ratio can make a major difference in your overall health, and therefore can change your status as overweight. For example, if you are a serious athlete with a lot of muscle, you may weigh more than someone else your height who is at a “normal” weight, but that doesn’t mean you are overweight.

Overweight is a term that is used loosely, which makes it confusing when determining whether or not you fit into that category. Your best bet is to consult with your doctor to figure out if you are overweight, and if you could benefit from lowering your BMI.

About the Author: Tommye Lounder is a health and wellness specialist who specializes in educating people about their bodies. He enjoys researching common medical conditions, including candida expert opinions, heart health, addictions, and the body’s metabolism.

Categories
dieting exercise free trials weight loss

How can social media help you lose weight?

The best thing about social media is that it allows users with similar interests to get in touch with each other, regardless of what part of the world they are in. If your goal is losing weight then you might be surprised to find that social media sites are your best ally.

Every social media site offers different advantages when it comes to losing weight, sticking to your diet, tracking the calories you eat or simply acquiring healthier eating habits.

These are the different ways in which the most common social media sites can help you to lose weight when you diet and some of these are listed below:

Facebook: one of the most popular social media sites, Facebook can be a meeting point for all those users fighting the dreaded ‘bulge’.

Just by typing ‘lose weight’ or ‘diet’ in your Facebook search tool gives you access to an infinite range of pages specializing in this topic. Many people around the world are trying to lose some pounds or follow a diet and Facebook helps to connect and encourage one and other.

Forums: unlike Facebook, forums are social media sites in which users can enjoy more in-depth interaction with other users.

The great thing about forums is that they allow internet users to sign in to very specific conversations, which means that people are more likely to find other users with the same worries and concerns as themselves.

You can therefore get to know other users on a more personal level and you can all track your calorie intakes together. A number of people like forums because they feel they offer an ‘online family’ who support and encourage them.

Blogs: interacting with experts and getting professional advice are the top benefit of trusting blogs to help you lose weight – making them a great option.

For instance, a blog specializing in losing weight may be written by experts who publish relevant advice. Blog experts can advise you on what specific diet would be best for you or could let you know what tools are available to help you track your progress.

Twitter: Brits looking for losing some pounds can also turn to the new favourite social media site – Twitter.

Like Facebook, a great advantage of Twitter is getting in touch with a very high number of people who have similar objectives.
This encourages you to fight for your goal by reminding you that you are not alone.
Hash-tags are a great feature of Twitter which allow you find everything related to specific words such as #losingweight or #diet.

Eve Richards is a regular blogger and nutritionist. Offering regular advice on how to diet , Eve regularly uses social media to help reach a wider audience. In this post she examines how social media can help you to lose weight.