Being overweight can leave you with a multitude of obesity related health problems. In medical speak, if you have a BMI, body mass index, of 30 or more, then you are considered obese. Now, that feels like an awful label to own. Your BMI is determined by assessing your height and weight and then comparing those two numbers. The proportion of height to weight makes up your BMI. Guess what, the higher the number the more at risk you are for obesity related health issues.

Essentially, obesity is a condition in which there is way too much fat being carried by your body... and today, obesity is reaching epidemic proportions.

Obesity is so clearly related to many of today's health concerns. One well known one is the damage to the joints resulting from the long term strain on the joints from the excess weight. This can lead to chronic pain and arthritis.

Make no mistake, as your weight issues worsen and your body mass increases, your body is going to start screaming! Your body will begin to struggle to combat the pressure form the extra weight. Of course, as your body rebels, you will become less and less active leading to even more weight gain. What an awful cycle to get in to.

Beyond the everyday strain that it put on the joints by being obese, the lack of activity, the general poor eating habits will also cause strain to the heart and the blood vessels resulting in high blood pressure, a higher risk of stroke, and other circulatory health issues. Obesity can also lead to sleep apnea which is the temporary stopping of breathing during sleep.

When you have crossed the line and have actually ventured into the land of obesity, it is very hard to actually lose the weight and get back into shape. In fact, there is not one single thing that is easy about the whole process. By the time that most of you reach obesity level, not only will you be battling the devil of fat you will also be battling the demons of the lack of self confidence and self esteem. Yes, you can win the fight against obesity, but it takes a lifestyle change and a long term approach. The latest diet fad is not going to win the race here.

So if you've found yourself in an obese state of being, then the first thing that you must do is make a decision to make a change. Start with your physician and decide on the best way regain control of your weight. Be realistic and be smart. Also be committed to the long journey. A sprint will not win the obesity race.

Obesity did not happen overnight and neither will your weight loss. But you can regain your health and gain control over your weight issues if you make up your mind that you are going to do it. The obesity epidemic is definitely here, but for goodness sakes you do not have to contribute to it so heavily!