Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy. Body mass index (BMI), which compares weight and height, is used to define a person as overweight (pre-obese) when their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2 and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m. Waist circumference, waist–hip ratio and body fat percentage are parameters that help measure obesity.
People become obese for several reasons, consuming too many calories (over eating), leading a sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical exercise, not sleeping enough (yes, sleep deprivation increases obesity risk), poor metabolism or it could also be because medications that make patients put on weight.
The problem with obesity is not restricted to his/her poor appearance only. It increases mortality risk. Obesity is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide Health risk associates with obesity are:
- Bone and cartilage degeneration (Osteoarthritis):- Obesity confers a nine times increased risk in knee joint osteoarthritis in women.
- Coronary heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- High total cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
- Respiratory problems
- Several cancers
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Obesity can be treated by achieving a healthy weight and maintaining the same. (much easier said than done). According to the Mayo Clinic, successful and permanent weight loss is best achieved as a result of increased physical activity, changing how and when you eat, and modifying your behavior. Some patients may be prescribed medication, while others might undergo weight-loss surgery.
