Overview
Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.
What defines obesity?
For adult men and women, a bmi between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Overweight is defined as a bmi between 25.0 and 29.9; and a bmi of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Class 1 (low-risk) obesity, if bmi is 30.0 to 34.9. Class 2 (moderate-risk) obesity, if bmi is 35.0 to 39.9. Class 3 (high-risk) obesity, if bmi is equal to or greater than 40.0.
9 most common causes of obesity
• Genetics
• Physical inactivity
• Diet high in simple carbohydrates
• Overeating
• Frequency of eating
• Medications
• Psychological factors
• Diseases such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cushing’s syndrome are also contributors to obesity.
The most important strategies for preventing obesity are healthy eating behaviors, regular physical activity, and reduced sedentary activity (such as watching television and videotapes, and playing computer games).
Obesity was associated with higher mortality rates for both cardiovascular disease and cancer.
