Sure Signs You’re Becoming Obese, According to CDC — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, with more than one-third of adults and one-fifth of children and adolescents classified as obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several signs that may indicate you are becoming obese. In this article, we will discuss the sure signs you’re becoming obese according to the CDC, as well as tips from Eat This Not That on how to prevent or reverse obesity.

Sure Signs You’re Becoming Obese, According to CDC

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, with more than one-third of adults and one-fifth of children considered obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several signs that may indicate you’re becoming obese.

1. Your Waist Size is Increasing

The CDC recommends measuring your waist size to determine if you’re at risk for obesity. Men with a waist size of 40 inches or more and women with a waist size of 35 inches or more are considered at risk. If your waist size is increasing, it may be a sign that you’re becoming obese.

2. You’re Gaining Weight

If you’re gaining weight, it’s a sign that you’re consuming more calories than you’re burning. This can lead to obesity if it’s not addressed. If you’re gaining weight, it’s important to make changes to your diet and exercise habits to prevent further weight gain.

3. You’re Experiencing Health Problems

Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. If you’re experiencing any of these health problems, it may be a sign that you’re becoming obese.

4. You’re Eating Unhealthy Foods

Eating unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain and obesity. If you’re eating a lot of processed foods, fast food, and sugary snacks, it’s a sign that you’re not eating a healthy diet and may be at risk for obesity.

5. You’re Not Exercising Enough

Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re not getting enough physical activity, it can lead to weight gain and obesity. Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to help prevent obesity.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it may be a sign that you’re becoming obese. It’s important to make changes to your diet and exercise habits to prevent further weight gain and reduce your risk of obesity-related health problems.

Being an adult with obesity doesn’t just mean you’ve got an annoying few pounds around your waist. It can lead to worse: “Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer that are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death,” says the CDC. Knowing the signals that you’re becoming or have become obese could save your life. Read on to see what they are, according to the CDC—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

BMI calculation
Shutterstock

First, assess your Body Mass Index. “BMI and waist circumference are two screening tools to estimate weight status and potential disease risk,” says the CDC. “BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

  • If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.
  • If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the normal or Healthy Weight range.
  • If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the overweight range.
  • If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.”
Doctor measuring obese man waist body fat.
Shutterstock

“Another way to estimate your potential disease risk is to measure your waist circumference,” says the CDC. “Excessive abdominal fat may be serious because it places you at greater risk for developing obesity-related conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. Your waistline may be telling you that you have a higher risk of developing obesity-related conditions if you are:

  • A man whose waist circumference is more than 40 inches
  • A non-pregnant woman whose waist circumference is more than 35 inches.

To correctly measure waist circumference:

  • Stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones
  • Make sure tape is horizontal around the waist
  • Keep the tape snug around the waist, but not compressing the skin
  • Measure your waist just after you breathe out.”

RELATED: Strange Side Effects of Marijuana, Says Science 

Obese man measuring his waist.
Shutterstock

Not everyone is as afflicted with obesity as others. “Non-Hispanic Black adults (49.6%) had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, followed by Hispanic adults (44.8%), non-Hispanic White adults (42.2%) and non-Hispanic Asian adults (17.4%),” says CDC. “The prevalence of obesity was 40.0% among adults aged 20 to 39 years, 44.8% among adults aged 40 to 59 years, and 42.8% among adults aged 60 and older.”

RELATED: The #1 Cause of Stronger Immunity, Say Experts

Woman with protective face mask setting music on smart phone and putting earphones before exercise.
iStock

“The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t short-term dietary changes; it’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity,” says the CDC. “Choosing a lifestyle that includes good eating habits and daily physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent weight gain.”

RELATED: If This Sounds Like You, You May Have Dementia 

Shutterstock

Remember, this isn’t just about your weight. “Obesity is a contributing cause of many other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer,” says the CDC. “These are some of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Obesity can cause sleep apnea and breathing problems and make activity more difficult. Obesity can also cause problems during pregnancy or make it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant.”. And since obesity can lead to severe COVID-19, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.