Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body that leads to health risks. It is caused by consuming more calories than are burned during daily activity, but may also be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. A person is considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is above 30. If a person reaches a BMI above 40, it is considered severely obese and can lead to serious health concerns. It can be treated with regular exercise and diet restrictions.
Symptoms:
Obesity affects more than 650 million people worldwide but is easily treated with lifestyle changes. Stress, environmental factors, and disproportionate access to healthy food are factors that can contribute to weight gain and obesity. If left untreated, obesity can lead to health issues including:
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Gallbladder disease