What it means to be Overweight and Obese

• People gain weight when their body takes in more calories than it burns off. That is why it’s important to be physically active and eat healthier foods on a regular basis.
• There is a difference between being overweight and obese. Overweight is a label for a range of weight that is greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height.
• Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat.
• The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good indicator of body fatness for most kids. BMI is a number calculated from a kid’s weight and height. (Talk to your parents and physician to find out more about BMI).
• There are many reasons a person becomes overweight or obese.
  • It’s in your genes: Genes are small parts of DNA the people inherit from their parents. Genes determine your eye and hair color. Obesity can run in the family.
  • Eating the Wrong Foods all the Time: Eating fried chicken and triple cheeseburgers on a regular basis will cause weight gain.
  • Eating when sad, bored, or nervous: This can lead to eating your favorite but not so healthy foods.
  • Being Physically Inactive: Playing video and computer games and watching TV is fun but wreaks havoc on your health. Climbing stairs and biking to see friends are great ways to become active.
• There are consequences for being overweight and obese.
  • Teased at school
  • Bad health (high blood pressure, high/increased cholesterol, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, cancer)
  • Danger of developing an eating disorder
  • Feel bad about yourself
  • Dying
• There are ways to avoid these consequences.