Obesity is a complex health issue that involves excessive accumulation of body fat. Often people in India equate obesity with cosmetic concern and their physical appearance, but it is much more than that. It is a severe medical problem that increases the risk of several health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and a certain type of cancers.

Usually, obesity results from a combination of factors like genetic issues, environmental factors and personal lifestyle choices. The good news, however, is that even a modest weight loss can significantly prevent the health issues associated with obesity. Increased physical activities, dietary changes, and behavioural changes can help you lose weight. There are also prescription medicines and weight-loss medical procedures that can help treat obesity.

However, how do you know if you are obese or not? Obesity is diagnosed if your BMI or Body Mass Index is 30 or more. To determine your BMI, divide your body weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. You can also use the online BMI calculator to know your exact BMI.

Here is a BMI table that show that the BMI reading indicates.

Although the behavioural, genetic, hormonal, and metabolic factors influence the body weight, obesity mainly occurs when your calories intake is more than the calories you burn through exercise or your other daily activities. The body tends to store the extra calories as fat. Some of the most commons causes of obesity are:

• A diet that is high in calories with fruits or vegetables and eating oversized portions is one of the most common reasons for weight gain. Also, the high-calorie, artificial sugar-laden beverages such as soft drinks can contribute to significant weight gain.
• Weight gain is a common symptom during pregnancy. Some women find it hard to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy even after the baby is born. The weight gain can contribute to the development of obesity in women. Breastfeeding is one of the best options to lose weight that you may have gained during pregnancy.
• Not getting sufficient hours of sleep is also associated with weight gain. When you do not get enough sleep, it can lead to hormonal changes, which increases your appetite, and you may crave for foods that have high-calorie content, which can contribute to weight gain.
• Several external factors that affect your mood and well-being can also contribute to obesity. People often consume more high-calorie food when they are feeling stressed.

Health Risks of Obesity

• Obesity can have a serious effect on how your body utilises the naturally secreted insulin to control the blood sugar level in the body. This increases the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Another significant risk of obesity is that it increases the risk of developing cancer in different body parts like liver, breast, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, etc.
• Obesity among women can lead to irregular periods and infertility. Also, obesity can cause ED or erectile dysfunction in men.

Whether you are currently overweight or at risk of developing obesity, you can take steps to prevent the unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Making changes to your dietary and lifestyle habits and indulging in physical activities like jogging, swimming, dancing or aerobics can immensely help you lose weight and live a healthy and happy life.

• Another significant risk of obesity is that it increases the risk of developing cancer in different body parts like liver, breast, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, etc.
• Obesity among women can lead to irregular periods and infertility. Also, obesity can cause ED or erectile dysfunction in men.

Whether you are currently overweight or at risk of developing obesity, you can take steps to prevent the unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Making changes to your dietary and lifestyle habits and indulging in physical activities like jogging, swimming, dancing or aerobics can immensely help you lose weight and live a healthy and happy life