Obesity is defined as the excessive body fat, but is difficult to measure directly. For this reason body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of weight, corrected for differences in height, is most commonly used to define obesity. BMI is computed as weight (in kg) divided by height squared (in meters). The WHO has defined BMI of 30 or greater as obesity.



Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9. Although the health risks for being overweight, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, are less than those for obesity, they are still substantial.

Half of all Americans indeed are either overweight or are obese by WHO standards. Obesity rates in children are also raising fast. The health consequences and the costs incurred in treating the complications arising from obesity and excess weight are enormous. In America, excess body fat account for about 90% of adult onset of diabetes, about one-third of heart attacks, contributes to several major cancers, arthritis, cataracts and reduced quality of life in general.

Although genetic factors influence the likelihood of obesity, they can't explain such massive increase in so short a period of time. Fundamentally, weight gain occurs when physical activity decreases or total calorie intake increases.

How to Control Obesity?

Although many dream of a weight loss pill to cure the problem, alone it can not help you to get rid of it. So instead of looking for a magic pill, you should recognize that obesity is a function of social change. Urbanization, sedentary lives, and the consumption of mass produced high calorie foods.

In principle, if every individual exercised regularly and be careful about calorie intake, obesity would be uncommon. But because low levels of physical activity and over-consumption are deeply imbedded in our lifestyles, individuals acting in isolation face many obstacles. An effective strategy to fight the obesity epidemic will require both individual and institutional initiatives.

?Nutritionists must provide improved dietary advice and make it accessible to all.

?Health experts can do more to counsel patients about the importance of minimizing weight gain as adults.

?You can limit television watching, computer related lazy activities like browsing, etc. and avoid buying soft drinks.

Many individuals, having learned to exercise and avoid excessive calorie intake, are controlling their weight.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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