WHAT IS OBESITY?

Excessive accumulation of body fat beyond normal limits is known as obesity. Because this is too important a public health issue 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. Then, the implications of obesity go far beyond trouser sizes and cosmetic vanity.

HOW OBESITY IS MEASURED?

Obesity could be measured by BMI or by waist circumference. There is no ideal technique to calculate obesity though these two indicators are generally used by clinicians as a means to quantify the degree of obesity. Body composition analysers (Tanita, Dexa, etc) are available. They give detailed measurements of body water, muscle mass, fat mass, etc. but we may not do much with so much information.

BMI

BMI is a technique used 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 obese.

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5-23.4	Normal
23.5-27.5	Overweight
27.6-32.5	Obese (Class I)
32.6-37.4	Obese (Class II)
37.5 & Higher	Extreme Obesity (Class III)

The same BMI chart is used for men and women. Additionally, the same classifications of obesity relate to both men and women.

WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE

Waist circumference is a less familiar metric used to determine obesity in a person. This uncomplicated measurement specifies obesity and simple obesity by measuring your waist. 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 that 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

GROUNDS OF OBESITY

There are many elements that directly and indirectly donate to obesity. Activities, surroundings and inheritance are among the chief providers of obesity. The Centres to control obesity have recognized these three as the major sources of the complications of the obesity outbreak.

ACTIVITIES/BEHAVIOR

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

SURROUNDINGS/ENVIRONMENT

Surroundings play an imperative part in shaping an individual’s way of life and standard of living. Several ecological consequences can impact your well-being choices. The present world’s society has maintained a more inactive everyday life. Driving cars has replaced walking and physical workouts have been sacrificed for the technologies like television and internet surfing.

INHERITANCE

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 about obesity? You can make your mind up regarding which treatment you should choose, as the conditions and symptoms vary from person to person. It is necessary to discuss with your doctor about your weight and contribute to him/her when choosing which treatment is accurate for you. There are numerous processes existing to deal with your obesity.