WHAT IS OBESITY?

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Excessive accumulation of body fat beyond normal limits is known as obesity. Because this is too important a public health issue to be left to the eye of the beholder, society as a whole has chosen certain parameters that would accurately identify those affected by this condition. Between the normal individual and the obese patient is a condition of being “overweight”. As body weight increases, health deteriorates progressively. Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea, heart conditions, gallstones, hernias and even cancers are more common in the obese. Obviously, then, the implications of obesity go far beyond trouser sizes and cosmetic vanity. 

 BMI is a measure to identify obesity in adults. BMI is measured by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared. An adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered as obese.  The higher the BMI the greater the risks to health. 

BMI is measured by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared. An adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered as obese. To calculate your BMI please fill up the form. 

The same BMI chart is used for men and women. Obesity measures are gender agnostic.

 Waist circumference is a less familiar metric used to determine obesity in a person. What is your waist measurement? To know your waist circumference, wrap a measuring tape around the region over your belly at the level of your navel. A waist circumference of 35 inches or more is considered unhealthy for females. For men, a waist circumference of 40 inches or more is considered pathological.

Risks Associated with Obesity
There are more than 50 clinical conditions which are related to obesity. People who are obese are at stake of developing one or further of these severe medical conditions. The most widespread obesity-related diseases are:

•  Osteoarthritis
•  Diabetes
•  Cancer (endometrial, breast, and colon)
•  Heart disease
•  Stroke
•  High blood pressure
•  Gallbladder disease
•  Sleep apnea and other respiratory disease
•  High cholesterol
•  Ventral and incisional hernia
•  GERD and hiatus hernia
•  Wound infections
•  Intertrigo 

Obesity results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and physiological factors. Evidence-based causes include:

- Energy Imbalance: Consuming more calories than expended over time. Studies (e.g., Hall et al., 2011, Lancet) show prolonged positive energy balance drives fat accumulation.

- Genetics: Genetic variants (e.g., FTO gene) increase obesity risk by influencing appetite and metabolism. Twin studies estimate heritability at 40-70% (Maes et al., 1997, Behav Genet).

- Dietary Patterns: High intake of ultra-processed, energy-dense foods (e.g., sugars, refined carbs) is linked to weight gain. Meta-analyses (e.g., Mozaffarian et al., 2011, NEJM) confirm this association.

- Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles reduce energy expenditure. WHO data correlates low physical activity with obesity prevalence globally.

- Environmental Factors: Socioeconomic factors, food accessibility, and urban design influence diet and activity. Studies (e.g., Swinburn et al., 2011, Lancet) highlight "obesogenic" environments.

- Psychological Factors: Stress, depression, and emotional eating contribute. Research (e.g., Luppino et al., 2010, Arch Gen Psychiatry) shows bidirectional links between obesity and mental health.

- Medical and Hormonal Factors: Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, or medications (e.g., corticosteroids) can promote weight gain. Clinical reviews (e.g., Apovian, 2016, Ann Intern Med) support this.

These factors often interact, and their relative impact varies by individual.

 In present day’s rapid environment, unhealthy lifestyle can be accepted easily. Your activities or behavior in the case of obesity recounts to food options, total of physical movement you get and the attempts to uphold your fitness. These days people are taking more calories than before in their regular habits. This has curtailed the consumption of nutrients that are required for a balanced and a healthy diet. This behavioral may also relate to the raise in portion sizes while eating. The people are not spending sufficient time on physical activities which are an imperative factor in amending and shaping behaviors. The impact of television, computers and other technology depress the physical movements and attach to the crisis of obesity in our civilization. 

 Surroundings play an imperative part in shaping an individual’s way of life and standard of living. There are several ecological consequences that can impact your wellbeing choices. Present world’s society has maintained a more inactive everyday life. Driving cars has replaced walking and the physical workouts have been sacrificed for the technologies like television and internet surfing. 

 Scientific studies demonstrate that genetics play a vital responsibility in Obesity. Genes can source certain disorder, the outcome of which result in obesity. Though, not all people who are inclined towards obesity become obese. Studies are currently in progress to conclude which genes donate most to obesity. What can you do for obesity? You can make up your mind up regarding which treatment you should choose, as the conditions and symptoms varies from person to person. It is necessary to discuss with your doctor about your weight and contribute with him/her when choosing which treatment is accurate for you. There are numerous processes existing to deal with your obesity.