What is obesity?
Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health issues. The most common method to determine if someone is obese is by calculating their body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Some key facts about obesity:
- Obesity rates have nearly tripled globally since 1975. Over 650 million adults worldwide were obese in 2016.
- Obesity increases the likelihood of diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
- Obesity can cause breathing problems, joint pain, and psychological issues like depression.
- Losing just 5-10% of body weight can produce health benefits like improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
So what causes obesity? It ultimately comes down to an energy imbalance - consuming more calories than you burn through activity and normal bodily functions over an extended period. But there are many complex factors that contribute to this:
- Genetics - Some people are predisposed to gaining weight more easily.
- Lifestyle habits - Not exercising enough, eating high-calorie foods, not sleeping enough.
- Medical conditions - Things like an underactive thyroid can slow metabolism.
- Medications - Some drugs like steroids or antidepressants may cause weight gain.
- Environment - Easy access to processed foods and lack of access to healthy options promotes obesity.
Luckily, obesity can often be improved through lifestyle changes like:
- Eating nutritious foods in proper portion sizes
- Getting enough exercise each week
- Making healthy behavioral changes over time
- In some cases, using prescription medications or surgery
The key is committing to long-term lifestyle changes rather than short-term dieting. Obesity is a complex disease, but it can be managed through determination and support. Small steps towards healthy habits add up over time. What questions do you still have about obesity? Feel free to ask below!