Almost everyone knows America is experiencing an obesity epidemic; 1 in 3 adult Americans is obese, according to MayoClinic.com. However, as our country struggles to come to terms with this epidemic, one of the things that gets in the way is misinformation about the nature and consequences of obesity.
Definition of Obesity
MayoClinic.com defines obesity as an excess of body fat. The clinic reports medical experts use body mass index, or BMI, to evaluate the risk a person's weight; a person with a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. While most obese individuals weigh more than standard health charts say they should, it is also possible to be obese and have a normal weight, according to nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky.
Obesity Causes
The causes of obesity are both simple and complex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that while in rare cases, obesity results from certain health conditions such as Cushings disease. However, the CDC reports that in most causes, obesity result from an energy imbalance; people gain weight when they eat more calories then their bodies require. The CDC reports that numerous factors, including heredity and environment, contribute to this overeating and thus obesity.
Health Risks Related to Obesity
There are many health risks related to obesity. Obese people are, according to the CDC, more likely to experience heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, and, for women, irregular monthly cycle or infertility. In short, a person who is obese is far more likely to die from preventable health problems than a person who has a normal BMI.
Obesity Treatment
There are several treatments for obesity. MayoClinic.com reports that most often, an obese person is advised to alter his diet and get more physical activity in order to lose weight. However, the clinic reports that if a person's weight poses serious and immediate threats to his or her health, a doctor may recommend a very low calorie liquid diet, weight loss medication or a surgical intervention. If you are obese, always involve your doctor in your weight-loss program.
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