The Obese or overfat person

The obese or overfat person is easily identified by his/her size.  This makes the problem incredibly difficult for the person to hide.  S/he is exposed and usually feels very vulnerable about the problem. 

If you suffer from obesity, or know someone in your family who does, medical and/or psychological professionals would use the following diagnostic criteria to classify the problem.  Please remember that the diagnostic category or label is a communication tool which should only be used by professionals.  Some people internalize labels and then live up to them.  Use the following criteria as a guideline to understand the problem rather than to label someone.  If you, or someone you know seems to manifest with the following symptoms, try and encourage hin/her to seek professional help.

1.

Much research has been conducted into what kind of person becomes obese.  However, no unique personality problem type develops obesity. In fact, obesity can occur in a wide range of people with varying types of emotional and lifestyle problems.  (see causes)

2.

There is an excessive accumulation of body fat (body weight exceeds the standard height/weight ratio by 20%). 

3.

In terms of the Body Mass Index (BMI) obesity falls into the 40-68 range of body fat.  The normal range is 20-25.  Please refer to the BMI table to work out your Body Mass Index.

4.

Only 3% of obesity is caused by medical problems, such as thyroid.         (see causes)