Many times we believe that we must maintain a normal weight for pure aesthetics and society’s demands. Although it is true that we live in a time when thinness is always valued, it should be noted that the most important thing about having a balanced weight is our health. In this article we will explain that a normal weight is associated with a lower risk of death for the various reasons that we will develop below.
What is healthy weight?
The healthy weight is one that fits a body type and health . It is generally based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist size.
Calculate BMI
The BMI is calculated by dividing the kilograms of weight by the square of the height in meters . The equation is as follows: BMI = weight / height). A person is considered obese if their BMI is above 30 , although after 25 they are already above the so-called ideal weight.
What factors cause overweight?
Lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient sleep, and high levels of stress can increase your risk of being overweight and obese.
Lack of physical activity
Lack of physical activity due to excessive use of television, computers, video games and other devices is associated with being overweight. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising and reducing time spent on the couch, can help you reach a healthy weight .
Eating behaviors
Some eating behaviors are unhealthy and can increase your risk of being overweight and obese, such as consuming more calories than are used. The amount of calories each person needs depends on sex, age, and level of physical activity.
Likewise, it also affects consuming too much saturated fat and eating foods high in sugar.
Sleep a little
In many studies it has been observed that people who do not get enough sleep have a high BMI . These studies have established a relationship between sleep and the way the body converts nutrients into energy. In this way, they have offered the possibility of observing that lack of sleep can affect the hormones that control hunger impulses.
Stress
Stress affects the brain and triggers the production of hormones that control energy balance and hunger impulses , such as cortisol.
Acute stress can produce hormonal changes that inhibit hunger. But if stress becomes chronic, hormonal changes can cause a person to eat more and accumulate more fat.
Detection and prevention
A normal weight is associated with a lower risk of death , therefore, children and adults should undergo controls once a year at least to determine if their Body Mass Index is high. If so, doctors can recommend healthy lifestyle changes to avoid being overweight and obese.
Effects of being overweight
Obesity can have numerous negative effects on our health. For example, type 2 diabetes. Also high cholesterol levels, which could lead to cardiovascular and blood vessel disease . These include high blood pressure, a heart attack, or a stroke.
On the other hand, obesity can lead to respiratory problems, for example obstructive sleep apnea, asthma and hypoventilation syndrome.
Also, being overweight can cause back pain and osteoarthritis. The latter is a chronic inflammation that damages the cartilage and bone that make up or surround the affected joint.
Likewise, obese people can suffer from urinary incontinence , cancer and problems related to emotional health , among others.
