Despite the more negative connotations associated with being obese, just being overweight can also be deadly. Being overweight can cause heart disease even without being obese. Using Body Mass Index (BMI) can give a somewhat accurate risk assessment to a greater population, as opposed to using it on an individual basis. BMI over 25, but under 30, is considered overweight, and 30 and higher are considered obese. Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, but being overweight is just as big of a problem. Nearly one third of the population has excess body weight. Science has not yet found a proven intervention to help manage this problem. Complications from excess weight can include several types of cancers, heart disease, stroke, leukemia, and skeletal disorders including arthritis.

Read more: Being overweight – not just obese – kills millions a year, say experts – The Guardian