FAQs
1. My BMI is > 25. What does it really mean?
2. What kinds of health problems can I develop if my BMI is >25?
3. How much weight do I need to lose if my BMI is >25?
4. Is Type 2 Diabetes serious?
5. Am I at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes?
6. What is that dark skin around my neck?
8. What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
9. Why is it bad to have High Blood Pressure/Hypertension and High Cholesterol?
11. What kinds of Respiratory Problems can I develop?
12. What kinds of Orthopedic Problems can I develop?
13. What kinds of Skin Problems can I develop?
1. My BMI is > 25. What does it really mean?
Basically, having a BMI >25 usually indicates that a person is eating too much and exercising too little.
A BMI >25 puts you in the Health Warning or Danger Zone category and at risk for serious health problems including Type 2 diabetes. It is recommended that you see your doctor.
2. What kinds of health problems can I develop if my BMI is >25?
This is serious stuff. If your BMI is >25, then you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure/Hypertension and High Cholesterol, Visceral Fat, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Respiratory Problems, orthopedic problems and skin problems.
3. How much weight do I need to lose if my BMI is >25?
You can enter your height and various weights into the BMI calculator to determine what you health classification would be at different weights and determine your goal weight loss. However, do not get overwhelmed, a weight loss of just 10-20 pounds can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease, decrease blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
4. Is Type 2 Diabetes serious?
Yes if untreated it can cause multiple complications including heart disease, kidney failure, increased infections, blindness, loss of a limb/amputation and even death. Monitoring your blood sugar levels can prevent these complications. But Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented and even reversed through lifestyle and weight-loss.
5. Am I at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes?
If you have a BMI>25 and have a parent or grandparent with Type 2 diabetes then, yes, you are at risk. Not sure if your family has a history of diabetes? Use the Family History Questionnaire to help you find out. Studies also show that the risk of developing Diabetes is much higher in women with a 36-inch waist than in those with a 26-inch waist. Good new for those at risk of developing Diabetes, a drop in just 5% of your weight can decrease your risk of developing Diabetes by about 60%!! A little change goes a long way!
6. What is that dark skin around my neck?
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a darkening of the skin usually seen around the base of the neck or underarms that signals high insulin or Insulin Resistance. It is a marker associated with an increased risk for developing type 2 Diabetes. For more information, please visit aocd.org
7. My periods are irregular, I have bad acne and I am growing facial hair (mustache, sideburns, chin – ugh!). What does this mean?
These are all signs of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome.
8. What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Which can cause
- Irregular menstrual Cycles (amenorrhea)
- Extreme facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Severe acne
- Increased weight
- Enlarged Ovaries
9. Why is it bad to have High Blood Pressure/Hypertension and High Cholesterol?
Which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. If you body has too much adipose tissue (fat) your heart has to work harder to give your body the nutrients it needs to function.
This means that there is increased fat surrounding the internal organs. This fat accumulation can compromise the functioning of the organ. For example, fat around the liver can lead to non-alcoholic cirrhosis and fat around the heart can lead to heart disease. The good new is that visceral fat can be eliminated and exercise is the best way to get rid of it. Eating healthy however, remains important too!
11. What kinds of Respiratory Problems can I develop?
A high BMI is associated with asthma and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a breathing problem that can lead to decreased oxygen to the brain. When this happens, a person can suffer from chronic sleepiness and problems with memory and learning.
12. What kinds of Orthopedic Problems can I develop?
There can be an increased risk of arthritis as well as knee and hip problems. This is due to the increase stress that too much weight can put on the joints and on the bones.
13. What kinds of Skin Problems can I develop?
Acanthosis Nigricans as well as stretch marks, hirsutism, increased acne and infections.
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