Obesity
Obesity is a complex health condition involving having an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems. The main causes of obesity include:
- Overeating - Consuming more calories from food and drinks than your body can burn off through normal daily activities and exercise. This calorie surplus gets stored as body fat over time.
- Lack of exercise - Not getting enough physical activity to burn calories. Sedentary modern lifestyles with desk jobs, driving, and screen time contribute.
- Genetics - Some people inherit a higher predisposition to gain weight and store fat. However, lifestyle factors still play a major role.
- Medical conditions - In some cases, medical conditions can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Diagnosing obesity:
- Body mass index (BMI) - A calculation using your weight and height. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
- Waist circumference - Fat stored around the abdomen increases health risks. Over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women indicates obesity.
Health risks of obesity include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, metabolic syndrome, joint problems, fatty liver disease, and several types of cancer. Mental health conditions can also occur.
Treating obesity focuses on lifestyle changes - eating healthier foods, getting daily exercise, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. In some cases, weight loss surgery may be an option.
Losing just 5-10% of body weight can lead to major health improvements. Small sustainable changes to your habits add up over time. Support from professionals at Harmonize Health, family, and friends also helps.