World Obesity Day 2024: Are you obese or overweight? Here's the difference

About 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were found to be overweight in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. Out of them, 890 million people were obese. The differences between the two are:

1. Degree of excess body fat: Obesity involves more accumulation of body fat compared to being overweight.

2. Health risks: Overweight people can be healthy if they maintain good lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep.

While both obesity and being overweight pose health risks, however issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases are more visible in people with obesity.

3. BMI range: When it comes to BMI, you are obese if the BMI ia greater than or equal to 30, as per the WHO. 

Overweight people have slightly lower BMI which is more than or equal to 25.

4. Impact on mobility: Obesity can affect mobility and functionality, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and bending. The impact is generally less in overweight people.

5. Treatment approaches: The treatment to combat obesity often involves more intensive interventions, such as medical supervision, dietary changes, exercise programs, and surgical options. 

Being overweight may be dealt with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.

Disclaimer: This content including advice gives generic information only and is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion.