Signs That You Might Be Obese

Obesity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is becoming an epidemic in the United States. About 35 percent of American adults are considered obese, while 25 percent of children are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Being obese increases the likelihood of life-threatening diseases, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease..

Body Mass Index
Weight status is based on body mass index or BMI. A formula determines a person's BMI according to weight and height. A normal BMI is anything between 18.5 and 24.9, while an overweight BMI ranges from 25.0 to 29.9. A BMI range between 30.0 and 39.9 indicates obesity, while anything above 40.0 is extremely obese. Calculate your own BMI using an online calculator through the Centers for Disease Control or a chart provided by medical agencies, like the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute or the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases See the Resources section below.

Common Symptoms
Noticeable symptoms of obesity include being easily out of breath or frequently sweating, according to NHS. A person might also suffer from snoring, have difficulty sleeping, feel tired and have joint or back pain. A person who is obese may not be able to handle sudden physical activity.

Other Symptoms
Obesity influences the development of other long-term diseases, which carry their own set of symptoms. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, gallstones, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, depression and osteoarthritis are conditions commonly associated with obese individuals.

Risks
Factors that influence obesity are many and include genetic predisposition, frequent inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, use of certain medications, age and lack of sleep. Not managing your weight carries risk of further complication and potentially life-threatening conditions. Excess weight increases a person's risk for coronary heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack. In addition, obesity has been linked to strokes, which can lead to disability or death. Losing 5 to 10 percent body weight can help prevent some of these more serious conditions, according to the National Institutes of Health.