Published on Jan 03, 2015 and last reviewed on Aug 02, 2023 - 4 min read
Abstract
Obesity is a complex lifestyle disease that seems to have assumed epidemic proportions. This article discusses the causes of obesity and the measures to halt its progress.
Introduction
An epidemic is something that spreads rapidly and affects an inordinately large number of people at the same time. There will be a rapid rise in the number of new cases well above the defined baseline. By this simplistic definition, obesity fits the bill rather perfectly. Obesity is a lifestyle disease. That is, it occurs due to a combination of factors, most notably due to a faulty lifestyle. Hence it is also regarded to be a lifestyle influenced medical condition. It enhances the likelihood of developing various other medical conditions that can pose challenges to one's life.
When the (Body Mass Index) BMI is equal to or more than 30 kilograms per meter square of the person's height, a person is said to be obese. There are three grades of obesity and a person with a BMI equal to or more than that of 40 kg/meter square is said to be 'morbidly obese', or said to have grade 3 obesity. Obesity is not the same as being overweight. A BMI of 25 kg/meter square or exceeding that is classified as being overweight.
Obesity comes with its fair share of other medical complications. Obesity increases the risk for diabetes mellitus (elevated blood sugar level), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), osteoarthritis (bone pain), obstructive sleep apnea (due to transient airway obstruction), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gall bladder stones, and depression. Unfortunately, doctors are being the victims of this disease as a result of their long consulting hours, which leaves little room for exercise, modern-day stresses, and unhealthy eating patterns.
Here are a few time-tested solutions.
Conclusion
The incidence and the prevalence of obesity is rising exponentially over the last few years. It is high time to tackle this lifestyle malady, which can wreck one's quality of life. Although we have failed to nip this disease in the bud, we can at least hope to halt its progression. Appropriate preventive measures and lifestyle alterations can bring drastic changes in the progression of obesity, which itself checks the development of associated medical conditions.
Last reviewed at:
02 Aug 2023 - 4 min read
RATING
Psychiatry
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Why am I experiencing rapid weight loss?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a concern regarding my weight. I have lost about 2 to 2.5 kg in a month's time. I have not exercised recently. I weighed 74.4 kg last month, and now I weigh 72.8 kg. Moreover, my waist circumference has also decreased. I am worried about this sudden weight loss. Could this indic... Read Full »
How does yoga help senior citizens?
Query: Hi doctor, What are the health benefits and trends for yoga for senior citizens? Are there studios that have classes or professionals that cater to this demographic? Why choose yoga over other forms of fitness and stretching? Read Full »
When will walking get normal after foot fracture?
Query: Hi doctor, I had a 2,3,4 metatarsal foot fracture. Thereafter, the foot was in a cast which was removed. Now, there is as slight swelling and it hurts when walking. I am unable to walk smoothly. I partially drag the foot when walking. Hence, I request your advice on the following: When will my walki... Read Full »
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Walking or Body Mass Index?
Ask a Doctor Online