What is Obesity?

What is Obesity?
Obesity is a condition that is associated with having an excess of body fat and it is classified as having a Body Mass Inex (BMI) of 30 or greater. Obesity increase risk of developing conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension and Sleep Apnea.

How Obesity is measured?
There is no absolute method to measure obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist circumference are the indicators mostly used.

BMI
Body Mass Index, is a method used to indicate obesity. BMI is calculated as given below:

                                 BMI =  Weight in Kg / (Height in meters)2

Waist Circumference
This is another method of measuring obesity. For men waist circumference of 40 inches or higher & for women waist circumference of 35 inches or higher is considered unhealthy.

Health Risks associated with Obesity
There are over 40 medical conditions associated with Obesity. Obese people are always at risk of developing one or more serious medical conditions. The most common of them are :

High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Stroke
Gallbladder Disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Problems
Some cancers ( Endometrial, Breast and Colon)
Causes of Obesity
There are many causes that directly or indirectly contribute to obesity like

Unhealthy Food
Lack of Exercise
Sedentary Lifestyle
Genetics