Overweight and obesity is the second leading cause of death, killing 300,000 people a year, ... There is not a miracle pill that will lead to weight loss ~ Richard Carmona
Obesity is perhaps one of the most dangerous health problems increasing at an alarming rate due to various factors most of which are related to the changing lifestyles. Here is some basic information about obesity.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a condition where the fat layer accumulates in the body to a point where it becomes a health risk. The human body can afford to accumulate a little extra fat but when the fat accumulation exceeds the minimum extent, it interferes with the general health issues and becomes a cause of great concern.
How do I find out whether I am obese?
The easiest and most efficient way to find out if you are obese is to check your body mass index. The body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing a person’s body weight by his/her height. The statistical benchmarks set by World Health Organization (WHO) define a BMI of 25 or more as ‘overweight’ 25, and a person with a BMI of 30 or more is labeled as ‘obese’. However it is observed that chronic health risks increase from a BMI value of 21 onward.
What are the risks associated with obesity?
In addition to being a cause of physical distress for the person, obesity paves way for various chronic diseases as well. The various medical problems that can be initiated or aggravated by obesity include diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, fatty liver diseases, gall bladder diseases, fertility and pregnancy problems, in addition to the physical discomfort and psychological stress.
What are the causes of obesity?
An unhealthy diet containing excessive fat percentage and excessive amounts of calories can lead to obesity. A sedentary lifestyle without adequate physical activity is also one of the