Frequently Asked Questions

What is BMI?

BMI or Body Mass Index is the statistical measure that factors height and weight to diagnose obesity.  BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilos by their height in meters squared.

Why are so many people obese?

There are a number of factors that influence obesity.  Behavior patterns such as eating too many calories while not getting enough exercise can trigger obesity.  The home, work, school and community can provide barriers to or opportunities for an active lifestyle.  Genetics or heredity plays an important role in determining how susceptible people can be to obesity.  Genes affect how the body burns calories for energy or stores fat.

How does obesity affect your health?

If you are obese, you are more likely to develop health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep) and osteoarthritis (wearing away of joints).  The more obese you are, the more likely you are to have health problems.