Body Mass Index Essay

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How severely overweight does a person have to be to be considered obese and do genes have a role in this disease
In order to determine whether or not a person is obese first, we need to understand BMI. Body mass index (BMI) “is a measurement obtained by dividing a person 's weight by the square of the person 's height” (Wiki), to determine body mass. Once an individual 's BMI is determined, the BMI can be categorized into four categories. According to Wikipedia, the classifications go as followed; 1. A person who has a BMI of 18 kg/m2 is underweight. 2. A person who has a BMI of 25 kg/m2 is of normal weight, and 3. A person who has a BMI in between the range of 25-30 kg/m2 is overweight. 4. In order for a person to be actually considered to …show more content…

There are several behaviors that can determine if an individual is heading towards obesity, such as consuming a high-calorie intake with no daily exercise. For example; eating out daily in fast food restaurants like McDonalds, drinking too much alcohol, or binge eating. These type of behaviors could be viewed as an individual’s personal choice that could be avoided by diet and exercise. However new studies are revealing that these types of behaviors are not just a personal choices, these behaviors are linked to certain genes. According to the article Behavior, environment, and genetic factors, all have a role in causing people to be overweight and obese; “a sizable portion of the variation in weight among adults is due to genetic factors” (CDC). This same article talks about a study that compares genes of individuals who are obese to the genes of an …show more content…

Pharmacotherapy has been known to use and include the following drugs. Thyroid hormone; “helps with the regulation of the metabolism” (EndocrineWeb). Amphetamines; “a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves” (drugs.com). Phentermine; “acts as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system” (drugs.com). Amfepramone (diethylpropion); “appetite suppressants” (drugs.com). Phenylpropanolamine; “a decongestant” (drugs.com). Mazindol; “stimulates the central nervous system” (drugs.com). Sibutramine; “a diet aid used to reduce hunger” (drugs.com). And orlistat; “blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body” (drugs.com). According to a study in the article Pharmacotherapy for Obesity, “These agents decrease appetite, reduce absorption of fat or increase energy expenditure”

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