You can say that you are ‘too fat’ when you are overweight for your age and your height. To determine if you are too fat, you can calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index). This shows the ratio between your weight and your height. Calculating your BMI is fairly simple; you multiply your length (in decimal numbers) with your length again. Then you share that outcome with your weight. When you do this you will see a result, which you can look up in the so-called ‘BMI-Index’. Of course you can calculate yourself, but it is perhaps even easier to have your BMI calculated via a website like that of the Nutrition Center or the Harts Foundation.
BMI does not say everything
Calculating your BMI is one thing, but does not always say enough about your health and your weight. For example, BMI data are not suitable for all population groups. And of course the data are not directly applicable to children (here is a separate table for). Physique also says a lot about being ‘too fat’. For example, a ‘broad-built’ man with moderate overweight can still have a fairly healthy weight , especially when he has little fat around his stomach. A woman with a healthy weight but with a lot of belly fat can still be in a high-risk groupfall because of the fat around her belly. And research has shown that some people with moderately overweight do well to stay around that weight and not lose weight. The probability that they will arrive in weight, for example due to diets, is actually present, for example because the metabolism is disrupted.
When do you have to lose weight?
The BMI data may not say everything, but usually give an indication of whether there is excess weight. Overweight people do well to examine their eating and lifestyle pattern to see if they can make adjustments. In most cases, overweight is caused by intake of too many calories in combination with too little exercise. In addition, there are other causes for overweight; for example due to poor hormone management or eating bad food. Losing weight or losing weight is usually not very easy. But anyone who is willing to look at his / her eating and lifestyle pattern will probably be able to find one or more causes of the excess weight.
Numbers
Despite the fact that in 2014 a lot is known about obesity and its causes (and consequences), many people still find it difficult to actually do something about it. In most cases obesity is caused by the intake of too much, too fat, too salty and too sweet food (and drinks). Figures from the CBS (2011) show that men aged 40 and older have a chance of becoming overweight. Women in the same age group are also very likely to be overweight, but there are more excesses in that group, such as a relatively large group of women with severe obesity. In general, it can be said that women arrive more gradually in weight and that it goes faster in men.
Lifestyle
People who want (or have to) lose weight do well to keep a close eye on their eating and lifestyle patterns. For example, keeping an eating and moving diary can give a lot of insight into certain patterns. Breaking a certain (fixed) pattern can be very difficult, so it is important to take small steps towards a healthy weight. To leave snacks in the short term saves a few kilos. And a visit to the gym once a week can also help. Those who get a clear insight into his / her own lifestyle can change. Do not try to do this too rigorously, because then the chance of a relapse is high. A positive self-image can also contribute to weight loss, negative thoughts and emotions can work against weight loss. Those who do not succeed in losing weight can, of course, seek help. First via the GP who can refer, for example, to a dietitian.