Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition caused by the accumulation of excess fat in the body to such an extent that it negatively affects health.

The common causes of obesity are a combination of increased food intake with very little physical activity. Though some persons may be genetically predisposed to it.

Other causes include hormonal imbalance, mental disorder and certain medications.

On average, obese people have a greater energy expenditure than their thin counterparts due to the energy required to maintain an increased body mass

People are considered to be obese when their body mass index (BMI) - (a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight by the square of the person's height) is more than 30 Kilograms per square meter.

Aside the excessive sweating on little exertion that visits obese people, they are also prone to certain foul smelling body odours.

Also obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases such type 2 Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea and certain types of cancers.

Health care authorities view obesity as the most serious public health problem of the 21st Century.

Even though in times past, obesity was courted as it was thought to be a symbol of wealth (men) and fertility (females) but in this day and age, obesity is stigmatized and sufferers tend to become depressed and might die from loneliness.

Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing rates in adults and children.

In 2014, 600 million adults (13%) and 42 million children under the age of five were obese. Obesity is more common in women than men.

 A good control of diet and nutrition will help to prevent the development of obesity; however, once it has developed, a structural realignment of food, diet, nutrition and exercise would surely help to fight the battle against fat accumulation.

Diet quality can be improved by reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods, such as those high in fat and sugars, and by increasing the intake of dietary fiber

Certain medications can also be used to treat obesity and if those fail, surgery can be considered.

If you have a sweet tooth for all things sweet - carbonated drinks, cakes, pasta, sweets, energy drinks (that do not provide any energy), then you need to watch it henceforth