Obesity Info

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected. It is commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI = weight divided by height squared) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. This distinguishes it from being overweight as defined by a BMI of between 25–29.9 kg/m2.

Excessive body weight is associated with various diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. As a result, obesity has been found to reduce life expectancy.

The primary treatment for obesity is dieting and physical exercise. If this fails, anti-obesity drugs and (in severe cases) bariatric surgery can be tried.

Obesity arises from too much energy intake compared with a person's basal metabolic rate and level of physical exercise. Excessive caloric intake and a lack of physical activity in genetically susceptible individuals is thought to explain most cases of obesity, with purely genetic, medical, or psychiatric illness contributing to only a limited number of cases. With rates of adult and childhood obesity increasing, authorities view it as a serious public health problem.

Although obesity is often stigmatized in the modern Western world, it has been perceived as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history.

Risk factors

The presence of risk factors and diseases associated with obesity are also used to establish a clinical diagnosis. Coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea are possible complications that would indicate a need to commence or intensify treatment for obesity. Smoking, high blood pressure, age and family history are other risk factors that, in combination with obesity, may indicate an additional reason for treatment.

Causes

Diet

Most researchers agree that a combination of excessive calorie consumption.

Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role in obesity. Obese people are less active than those of normal weight.

Genetics

Like many other medical conditions, obesity is the result of an interplay between genetic and environmental factors

Management of obesity

The main treatment for obesity consists of dieting and physical exercise.

Diets to promote weight loss are generally divided into four categories: low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, and very low calorie

With use, muscles consume energy derived from both fat and glycogen. Due to the large size of leg muscles, walking, running, and cycling are the most effective means of exercise to reduce body fat.