What Is Obesity?


Obesity affects millions of individuals who often struggle with being overweight and weight loss options. Obesity is the physical condition of being extremely overweight. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors and can result in many other health problems. Obesity is usually calculated using a person’s body mass index (BMI), using their height and weight. Although the BMI does not account for an individual's fat to muscle ration, it is still an adequate indicator of obesity.


In order to determine an individual's BMI and whether or not the results can categorize the individual as obese, the following equation must be completed. For determining a BMI, an individual gets the final calculation when their weight in kilograms is divided by their height in meters, squared. When the calculation has been completed, the BMI is compared with the BMI index to determine whether the individual is obese. If one's BMI is 25 to 29.9, that individual is considered overweight yet not obese. The obesity range occurs from a BMI of 30 onward.


Obesity is sometimes calculated by measuring an individual's waist size as well. Individuals who have an increased waist size are also at risk for conditions associated with obesity. For example, men with a waist size of 40 inches and above and women with a waist size of 35 inches and above both fit into this category.


Causes of Obesity


In order to really understand what obesity is, it is first important to learn what causes obesity in many different individuals. There are a few different known causes of obesity. One cause of obesity is said to be the result of an individual's genes. A number of studies have shown in the past that obesity is something that can run in the family. In other words, it is genetically linked. If an individual's parents, either one or both, are obese, that individual is more likely to have obesity problems as well. However, it is important to state that simply because an individual has obese parents does not mean that they will always become obese. It is just one of the factors that has been linked with obesity.


Another cause of obesity is the regular intake of fatty foods. Foods with high fat content are ones which, if eaten in large quantities, can cause obesity to occur. A good way in which to try and keep obesity a non-issue is to limit the amount of fatty foods one eats on a daily basis.


The metabolic rate of an individual is another determining factor when it comes to obesity. For those individuals who have a slower metabolism, they might have more of a battle with obesity than individuals with a faster metabolism as the food is being put to good use more quickly this way.


Lifestyle issues are also factors when it comes to obesity. Those individuals who live a more sedentary lifestyle may be more likely to become obese than those who spend their days running from place to place. It has been shown through studies that individuals who exercise for approximately ½ hour per day are much less likely to become obese than individuals who do not follow this exercise schedule.


Lastly, psychological reasons are ones which may lead to obesity in certain individuals. People who are depressed are more likely to overeat than individuals who are not. In addition, those who are depressed may also be less likely to exercise each day and adhere to a strict exercise regimen, as the depression can sometimes be overwhelming.


Health Consequences of Obesity


There are a number of reasons why obesity is such a concern for individuals and their health care professionals. Obesity not only prevents individuals from engaging in certain activities but it can lead to a number of serious health consequences as well. There are many health issues which have been linked to the condition of obesity and these health consequences will be described in the paragraphs which follow.


It has become known that certain diseases can result from an individual being obese. Some of these conditions and diseases included Type 2 diabetes, high blood triglycerides, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. If that weren't enough, some more diseases and conditions which have been said to correlate with obesity are gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout and sleep apnea.


There are certain deadly diseases such as cancer that are more likely to occur in obese women and men than their non-obese peers. For example, obese women are more likely than average weight women to die from various cancers including gallbladder, breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers. As for men, obese men are more likely to die from rectal, colon and prostate cancers than non-obese men are.


Not only does obesity cause physical health issues in individuals but mental and emotional health issues as well. Individuals who are obese may experience depression, rejection and loneliness as a result of their obesity. Not only may they experience these conditions due to how they view themselves but how they feel others view them as well.


Obesity is a serious concern for more and more individuals these days. In order to truly rid oneself of obesity or prevent obesity from occurring in the first place, it is a good idea to review the causes of obesity and remind oneself what they can do to help prevent it or help rid oneself of this debilitating condition.