What is Obesity?

Understanding Obesity and Its Impact

Obesity happens when the body has too much fat. It’s not just about being overweight; it’s a serious health condition that increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, infertility, and many other issues. If you’re wondering, what is obesity? It’s when your body stores excessive fat, and it can make it harder to manage other health problems.

So, what causes obesity? Well, it’s usually a combination of things like a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food choices, and genetics. In India, obesity is becoming a bigger issue, with more people affected by it every year. Factors like urbanization, fewer physical activities, and easy access to unhealthy food are all contributing to this problem.

What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Obesity?

The most common symptoms include having extra fat around your waist, especially abdominal obesity, and finding it harder to do everyday activities. It’s also linked to emotional stress and discomfort.

Obesity is primarily caused by an imbalance between the calories you consume and the calories you burn through activity. The rise of obesity in India can be attributed to poor eating habits, a lack of exercise, and stress. Obesity gene factors may also contribute to some people being more prone to gaining weight.

How to Manage and Prevent Obesity?

To manage obesity, start with healthy changes. Eat a well-balanced diet for obesity, focus on nutritious foods, and stay active. If these changes aren’t enough, obesity treatment options like anti-obesity medication or even bariatric surgery might be recommended by your doctor.

If you’re wondering, is obesity a disease? Yes, it’s classified as a disease because it can lead to serious health issues, and it’s not just about appearance. Obesity management often involves a mix of treatments, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

To prevent obesity, focus on eating a balanced diet, staying active, and reducing stress. Small, consistent changes are the key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Key Obesity Facts

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Over 1.9 billion adults worldwide were overweight, and more than 600 million were obese in 2014.
• Obesity now causes more deaths than being underweight.
• In 2014, 39% of adults were overweight, and 13% were obese.

The main causes of obesity include poor diet, lack of exercise, and environmental factors. The 3 main causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits, insufficient physical activity, and stress.

For those who are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery might be an option. It’s essential to talk with your doctor about all your obesity treatment options to choose the best path forward.