SYMPTOMS

DISEASES >> OBESITY

Obesity is a condition when excess body fat is negatively affecting health. Obesity has been rising in the past two decades: the number of adults with obesity has doubled in this period, whereas childhood obesity has tripled. In the US, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death only after smoking.

Obesity can result from certain disorders, but the increase in obesity results largely from environmental changes that have increased the availability of high-calorie foods and reduced the opportunity for physical activity. The reasons for childhood obesity are children end up eating in front of the television when their parents are working. Parents also compensate for their absence by giving children fast food, sweets and chocolate.

Obesity is diagnosed by determining the BMI. Body composition helps to ascertain if a person is obese or not.

The main treatment for obesity is changing lifestyle, which includes changes in diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification to help with weight loss and maintenance. Some people may also need to take drugs or to have weight-loss (bariatric) surgery.