Asian-Americans generally have lower rates of overweight and obesity than other groups. But that is beginning to change in some subgroups. And as rates of overweight and obesity in the United States continue to rise, all Americans are at risk.
Obesity or overweight is measured with a body mass index (BMI). The taller you are, the more weight you can carry. And shorter people can’t carry as much weight. So, the BMI shows the relationship of weight to height. For instance, if you are 5’4” and weigh 145 pounds, your BMI is 25. But if you are 5’4” and weigh 174 pounds, your BMI is 30. Women with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. Women with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. Some experts believe the BMI cutoffs for overweight and obesity should be lower for Asians. Research has shown that Asian populations have higher heart disease risk than Western populations at any BMI level. They also have higher rates of diabetes at “normal” BMI levels.
Talk to your doctor to find out what BMI you should aim for. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your risk of many health problems. And physical activity is one key part of weight loss and keeping a healthy weight. Health benefits are gained by doing the following each week:
Aerobic activity that includes:
2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
or
1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
or
A combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity
and
Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days of the week
This physical activity should be in addition to your routine activities of daily living, such as cleaning or spending a few minutes walking from the parking lot to your office. If weight loss is your goal, you may need to spend more time doing aerobic activity to see the effects.
Eating healthy meals that focus on portion control also plays a role in weight loss and keeping a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor to help you with a weight-loss plan that includes healthy meal planning and physical activity.
Fact Sheet — Heart Healthy Eating — This publication provides information on how healthy eating habits can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. It explains what a healthy portion is and how to make heart-healthy food choices.
Fact Sheet — Overweight, Obesity, and Weight Loss — This fact sheet defines obesity and explains some of the factors that contribute to becoming overweight or obese. It provides statistics on how many women are obese, explains the serious health problems associated with obesity, and discusses how obese women can lose weight and improve their health.
Aim for a Healthy Weight! — This comprehensive site allows you calculate your obesity risk and provides safe and effective ways to lose or maintain weight. Menu planners, shopping tips, and a food and activity diary are included.
Obesity and Asian Americans — This fact sheet provides statistics on obesity between different racial groups within the Asian community. This resource features tables addressing the relationship linking obesity and diabetes, amount of physical activity, and more.
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