Obesity is a complex health condition that involves having an excessive amount of body fat. It occurs when a person consumes more calories than their body burns over time. Obesity increases one's risk for developing a number of serious diseases and health issues such as:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain types of cancer
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Liver and kidney disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea and breathing issues
The most commonly used method to diagnose
obesity is the
body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
However, BMI has some limitations, and other factors like waist circumference, body composition, and risk factors for diseases associated with
obesity should also be considered when determining if excess weight is affecting someone's health.
Obesity is generally caused by a combination of:
- Consuming more calories than the body uses over time
- Lack of physical activity
- Genetics and family history
- Environment and culture
- Health conditions or medications
Losing weight requires making lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and behavior. Eating healthier foods, reducing overall calorie intake, and increasing physical activity levels can all contribute to weight loss over time. Even losing 5-10% of body weight can lead to significant health benefits.
In summary,
obesity is not just a cosmetic issue but a complex disease that greatly raises the risk of other medical problems. Maintaining a
healthy diet and active
lifestyle can help prevent and treat this prevalent condition. Working with healthcare providers at Vista Clinic to make lifestyle modifications and monitor progress is key. Small, sustainable changes to
diet and activity made consistently over time can lead to better health.