Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that

may negatively impact health. It is typically defined using the Body Mass Index (BMI),
which is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters
(kg/m²). Here is a detailed overview of obesity:

Definition and Classification

1. BMI Categories:
o Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
o Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
o Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
o Obesity: BMI 30-39.9
o Severe Obesity: BMI 40 and above

Causes of Obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial condition, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental,

psychological, and metabolic factors:

1. Genetic Factors:
o Hereditary Influences: Genetics can play a significant role in determining
body weight by affecting appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution.
2. Environmental Factors:
o Diet: High-calorie diets rich in fats and sugars can lead to weight gain.
o Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles reduce calorie expenditure,
contributing to weight gain.
3. Psychological Factors:
o Emotional Eating: Stress, depression, and other emotional factors can lead to
overeating or unhealthy eating habits.
4. Metabolic Factors:
o Metabolic Rate: Individual differences in basal metabolic rate (BMR) can
affect how quickly the body burns calories.
o Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to weight gain.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of various health problems, including:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases:
o Hypertension: High blood pressure is more common in obese individuals.
o Heart Disease: Increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
o Stroke: Higher likelihood of stroke due to atherosclerosis and high blood
pressure.
2. Type 2 Diabetes:
o Insulin Resistance: Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing insulin
resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
3. Musculoskeletal Disorders:
 o Osteoarthritis: Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, particularly the
knees and hips.
4. Respiratory Problems:
o Sleep Apnea: Obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
o Asthma: Obesity is linked to a higher prevalence of asthma.
5. Gastrointestinal Disorders:
o GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is more common in obese
individuals.
o Gallbladder Disease: Increased risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease.
6. Cancer:
o Increased Risk: Obesity is associated with higher risks of certain cancers,
including breast, colon, endometrial, and liver cancer.
7. Psychological and Social Effects:
o Mental Health: Obesity can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
o Social Stigma: Obese individuals often face discrimination and social
stigmatization.