The general definition of obesity is if you are 30 percent over your ideal weight. This is where most people would like to know just what their ideal weight is of course.

As far as the medical profession is concerned a person's ideal weight is the weight at which the body functions at its best. As we start to gain weight the excess fat that we are carrying begins to affect the way that the body functions. A little excess weight will not place any great strain on the body but there comes a point at which health problems begin to develop and at this point we are said to be obese. If we continue to gain weight these health problems become increasingly severe until we reach the point at which our weight is likely to give rise to health problems that could literally be a threat to our lives. We have now reached morbid obesity.

Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. In our society, people take it as an insult if they are referred to as "fat". If you are obese, you have a much higher amount of body fat than lean muscle mass. The consumption of more calories than can be burned leads to being overweight and, eventually, obesity.

The commonly used measure of obesity is known as body mass index, or BMI, and is calculated simply as a ratio of your weight to your height. If having plugged your weight and height into the equation you come out with a number between 18.5 and 24.9 you are said to have a normal weight. However, if you come out with a number between 25.0 and 29.9 you are overweight and between 30.0 and 39.9 you are obese. Once you reach 40 or more you are morbidly obese.

In addition to poor lifestyles, many people will spend a vast amount of time in-front of a computer, for excessive amounts of time, becoming or even driving for short distances, all of which dramatically reduce the amount of exercise that is undertaken. Studies suggest that obesity is a modern problem, due to an increase in convenience technology and a decrease in physical activities.

Obesity can result serious health problems such as hypertension, increased risk for coronary disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, increased unexplained heart attack, infertility hyperlipidemia and a higher prevalence of prostate, colon, endometrial and probably breast cancer.

Obesity can also be a result of certain conditions and disorders, including:

• Cushing's syndrome

• arthritis and other orthopedic problems

• heartburn hypothyroidism

• neurologic disturbances

• consumption of certain drugs, for instance antipsychotic medications, steroids, or antidepressants

• high cholesterol levels

• high blood pressure

• menstrual irregularities (amenorhhea)

• shortness of breath

• skin disorders

How to get rid of obesity problem?

It is up to you to maintain a healthy body weight. With a controlled diet, and regular physical exertion, the chances of becoming overweight are reduced dramatically.

A reduction in your overall alcohol intake will be beneficial, in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet.

An increase in your levels of physical activities will also prevent any weight gain, for example cycling, jogging, swimming or any of the large number of sports.

Read About Quick Weight Loss also Read about Obese and Obesity Statistics and Rates

To add a comment please login by clicking here