If a person is more than 20 percent over their ideal weight they can be considered obese, however, obesity should be determined by considering the person's height, age, sex, and build.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) also defines obesity as a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or above (A BMI of 30 is about 30 pounds overweight.)

Obesity is a complex health issue, primarily because there are numerous factors that can cause its occurrence. Being overweight is a concern to those in the health industry as well, because of significant contributions to health problems.

Health issues can include risk factors for:

* Heart Disease

* Stroke

* Type 2 diabetes

* Fatty liver disease

* Specific cancers

* Deep vein Thrombosis

* Breathing problems

* Gallbladder disease

* Arthritis

Diet, inactivity, genetic, psychological and physiological issues can all contribute to obesity.

Because of this, the treatment for obesity may be more than a mere matter of dietary changes. Physical activity coupled with counseling and support can supplement a structured diet to help patients conquer weight issues.

Quick loss schemes and extreme diets however, can be counterproductive, as they can actually contribute to increased obesity via the destruction of the metabolic process and yo-yo dieting.

Real world lifestyle changes will bring faster success at conquering obesity than anything else. This will include behavioral therapy as well as traditional counseling. Incorporating healthy eating habits and physical activity into daily routines will help curb the rising tide of obesity too, but we must be realistic and make this change gradual.

There are no quick fixes.

As with anything, education is the key to promoting awareness about various implications of obesity. If health agencies are proactive in making sure the public has all the facts, not only on the frightening emergence of obesity and obesity related illness, but on how to best meet the challenges associated with it, obesity can slowly but surely be eradicated.

Parents and educators also have a responsibility to be good examples and to foster health conscience habits in our children. They can do this by eating right and exercising themselves. Community centers can also lead initiatives for physical activities and organized sports where pre-adolescents, teens and young adults can get involved.

Such leadership can translate into adulthood; the knowledge and education can be further applied and passed on to future generations.