Obesity
Obesity is a complex health condition involving an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems. The main causes of obesity include:
- Overeating - Consuming more calories from food and drink than the body can use leads to those excess calories being stored as fat.
- Lack of physical activity - Not engaging in enough physical activity to burn the calories that are consumed.
- Genetics - Some people are genetically predisposed to gaining weight more easily.
- Lifestyle habits - Long-term practices around diet, activity levels, sleep, etc. greatly impact obesity risk.
Diagnosing obesity involves calculating a person's body mass index (BMI) using their height and weight. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.
However, BMI is not a perfect measure as it does not account for muscle mass. A medical professional will typically measure waist circumference and body fat percentage as well.
The health risks linked to obesity include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breathing issues
- Certain cancers
- Mental health conditions
Fortunately, even modest weight loss can reduce these risks and lead to other health benefits like improved mood, energy, mobility, and self-confidence.
Some effective strategies for losing weight include:
- Tracking calorie intake
- Increasing physical activity levels
- Making dietary changes
- Getting better sleep
- Managing stress
- Seeking support
With commitment to sustainable lifestyle changes and patience during the process, many people successfully reach a healthy weight over time and reduce obesity-related health complications. The journey is unique for everyone.
For more information, visit Vivo Health.