Obesity is one of the most pervasive, chronic diseases that has taken the 21st century captive by it’s neck. Obesity is mainly explained as in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on one’s health. There are several different methods for determining excess adipose (fat) tissue; the most common being the Body Mass Index (BMI).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical calculation involving height and weight, irrespective of family history, gender, age or race. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. It can vary and be misleading due to reasons like muscular build, or for pregnant or lactating women.
BMI = Weight (kgs) / Height (m)2
Causes and Reasons
At an individual level, a combination of excessive unhealthy food intake and a lack of any physical activity is thought to cause most cases of obesity. A limited number of cases are due primarily to genetics, medical reasons, imbalance in hormonal levels or psychiatric illness. The increasing rate of obesity at a societal level is understood to be caused by easily accessible and palatable diet, increased reliance on automobile, and mechanized manufacturing.
Being obese means having so much body fat that your health is in danger. Having too much body fat can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea, and stroke. Obesity increases the risk of many physical and mental conditions. These conditions are most commonly reflected through metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical disorders which includes: diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels.
Obesity is mostly self treatable and doesn’t necessarily require medication. By taking a few remedial steps and adopting a healthy lifestyle, once can take care of obesity pretty well. These measures include simple steps like :-
* Decreasing consumption of processed and unhealthy food.
* Creating a healthy diet plan and reducing calorie intake.
* Regular and proper work out.
