Pre-obesity has been increasing at threatening rates all over the world and is of particular importance from the standpoint of its close association with cardiovascular risks. Body mass index is a reliable international standard for identifying and classifying pre-obesity as well as other conditions related to weight deviations. BMI characterizes body fat mass and is an extremely valuable tool to define pre-obesity. It helps to analyze morbidity and mortality associated with modest degrees of pre-obesity.
Numerous factors may influence upon weight in pre-obesity. Pre-obesity is the consequence of imbalance between energy intake and spending. However, genetic predisposition and environmental conditions may also play their part.
Racial differences should be considered in describing pre-obesity. In Japan and other Asian countries noticeable increase in pre-obesity prevalence has been detected within the last 20 years. Analysis of Asian populations made scientists revise some norms of BMI for Japanese and Chinese taking into account particularities of pre-obesity among them. Pre-obesity bears elevated cardiovascular risks, especially for the Japanese and Chinese. It is recommended to use lower BMI as well as special Japanese BMI calculator and Singapore BMI calculator for the Asian populations to calculate the prevalence of pre-obesity and recognize people with high risk for cardiovascular disease.
Even pre-obesity people show higher indices of morbidity and mortality than normal weight individuals. Coronary heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, cholelithiasis, and osteoarthritis are frequently associated with pre-obesity. Diabetes in pre-obesity is linked to insulin resistance. The risk of metabolic disturbances is correlated with the level of pre-obesity. Experts found that the connection between BMI and some metabolic disorders resulted from pre-obesity is almost linear.
It is important to pay particular attention to diet and exercise for preventing further weight gain in pre-obesity. It is also good to think about weight loss and subsequent maintenance of optimal weight range.