by Monda Mahmoud

Created on: June 26, 2009   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

Size Does Matter

Obesity is the condition of excessive fat in the body, which is evident in an increased body weight and major health consequences. It is measured using the Body mass index (BMI), which is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). A BMI of over 25 kg/m2 is defined as overweight, and a BMI of over 30 kg/m2 as obese. Normallies are between BMI 18 25.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) projections indicate that globally in 2005:

approximately 1.6 billion adults (age 15+) were overweight; at least 400 million adults were obese.

WHO further projects that by 2015, approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and more than 700 million will be obese.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability. Often coexisting in developing countries with under-nutrition, obesity is a complex condition, with serious social and psychological dimensions, affecting virtually all ages and socioeconomic groups.

How Does Excess Body Fat Impact Health?

Obesity leads to adverse metabolic effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. The non-fatal, but debilitating health problems associated with obesity include respiratory difficulties, chronic musculoskeletal problems, skin problems and infertility. The more life-threatening problems fall into four main areas: cardiovascular disease problems; conditions associated with insulin resistance such as type 2 diabetes; certain types of cancers, especially the hormonally related and large-bowel cancers; and gallbladder disease.

What Causes Obesity?

The fundamental cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed on one hand, and calories expended on the other hand. Global increases in overweight and obesity can be attributed to a number of factors including:

a global shift in diet towards increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other micro-nutrients; a trend towards decreased physical activity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.

The rising epidemic reflects the profound changes in society and in behavioral patterns of communities over recent decades.

How Can The Burden of Obesity Be Reduced?

Obesity, as well as related overweight and chronic diseases, are largely preventable. We as individuals can achieve energy balance and a healthy weight if we try to:

limit energy intake from total fats and shift fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats;

increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and nuts;

limit the intake of sugars; and increase physical activity - at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate intensity activity on most days. More activity may be required for weight control.

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