Genetics, health: Inheriting obesity

  • Published
  • By Cindy Mulcahy
  • Warren Health and Wellness Center
Overweight children are likely to become overweight or obese adults, but as with any risk factors we have, our lifestyle can minimize the risks associated with our genetic code. 

Being overweight is a complex condition involving genetics, hormones, metabolism and environmental factors. The interaction of energy intake, or the food and drink intake, with energy expenditure, or the calories burned in activity along with metabolism, are the contributing factors to being overweight. 

Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy life. Activity helps maintain a healthy weight by using some of the energy from food. The importance of good energy balance, or calories in and calories out, keeps bodies at an optimal weight for height. 

Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk for many health problems other than additional weight. Physical activity and obesity are two of the 10 leading health indicators listed in Healthy People 2010 as major health concerns in the United States. 

Airmen enter the Air Force with a weight and height requirement that is now being associated with body mass index. BMI is a way to judge body weight in relationship to height. This index can provide some insight into whether people weigh more than they should. 

The ideal number should be between 20 and 25. Those below may be underweight, and those above could be overweight or obese. 

Excess body fat is linked with increased risk for heart disease, hypertension, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases. If a BMI is in the overweight or obese category, keep in mind that a moderate weight loss of only 10 percent can significantly decrease the severity of overweight-associated health risks. 

BMI is just a number. There are many other factors that need to be considered when judging how much someone should weigh. Only use BMI as a guide. The BMI formula only applies to adults older than 20. 

To calculate BMI take weight (pounds) divided by height (inches) squared. Times that by 703. 

The health and wellness center has classes on achieving a healthy weight for height.
Call 773-4292 for an appointment with the dietitian and start to help manage weight in a healthy manner and minimize the risks of being overweight.