Obesity
Obesity is a condition of abnormal increase in body weight due to excessive fat deposition. Obese men and women show 20% and 25% of increase in their body weight, respectively due to accumulation of fat in adipose tissues. Obesity is the result of over-eating, i.e., excessive intake of calories in diet, and lack of physical activity. On consuming every 7 calories, 1gm fat deposits and 1gm body weight increases.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the clinical representation of obesity and is calculated by divi weight (in kilograms) with height (in meters2).
BMI (kg/m2)= Weight (kg) /[Height (m2)]
Obesity is categorised into three grades: 1) Grade I obesity or overweight- BMI 25-30kg/m.
2) Grade II or clinical obesity - BMI > 30kg/m.
3) Grade III or morbid obesity BMI > 40kg/m.
Causes
An imbalance of energy between the consumed and used calories is the major cause of obesity. In general, increased consumption of energy-dense and fat-rich foods and reduced physical activity results in obesity.
Symptoms
Increased value of BMI increases the risk of the following:
1) Cardiovascular disorders (heart disease and stroke).
2) Diabetes,
3) Musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder), and
4) Cancers of endometrium, breast, ovary, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon.
Chilanood obesity is concerned with higher chance of obesity, premature deati, and itine disability. The obese children face breathing difficulties, increased isk of fractures, hypertension candiovarcular discases insulin resistance, and psychological effects.
Diagnosis
The most common method to determine obesity is the calculation of BMI. It is am indication of body fat determined hy comparing the weight and height of an individual.
An adult's Body Mass Index can be determined using a BMI calculator. For adults, a BM of:
1) 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight,
2) 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
3) 30.0 to 39.9 is considered obese, and
4) 40.0 and higher is considered extremely obese.
The BMI values for 2 vear old children are:
1) BMI value between 5th and the 85th percentiles indicates normal weight,
2) BMI value between 85 and 95h percentiles indicates overweight, and
3) BMI value between 95h and more percentile indicates obesity.
Apart from BMI, body fat can also be measured using other methods, e.g., by calculating waist circumference, determining waist-to-hip circumference ratios, measuring skinfold thickness (in which the thickness of a pinch of skin and fat is measured), and by ultrasound.
Treatment
Obesity can be controlled by:
1) Reducing the consumption of fat- and sugar-rich foods,
2) Increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, and
3) Increasing regular physical exercise (60 minutes/day for children and 150 minutes/week for adults).
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