Definition: Obesity is a condition in which people are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight.

Symptoms: Generally, obesity develops when the amount of energy units (calories) consumed through food is greater than the energy spent through metabolism and physical activity. Excess calories are stored in the body as fat.If too much body fat builds up, weight gain is inevitable. People also tend to gain more weight if they are older and/or have a low metabolic rate.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has standardized the definition of obesity according to a measurement called the body mass index (BMI). This internationally recognized index uses an individual's body weight (kilograms) and height (meters) to determine his/her risk of obesity. BMI is calculated as follows:

After calculating one's BMI, the result can be compared to the WHO standard classification for obesity: BMI (kg/m2) Classification Disease Risk*

• 18.5 Underweight Low
• 18.5 - 24.9 Normal Low
• 25.0 - 29.9 Overweight Increased
• 30.0 - 34.9 Obesity I High
• 35.0 - 39.9 Obesity II Very high
• 40 Extreme Obesity III Extremely high

* Men whose waistlines exceed 102 centimeters are generally at increased relative risk, as are women whose waistlines exceed 88 centimeters.
Prevention:
• Reducing fat intake - Cutting fat intake is a more effective weight loss strategy than counting calories.
• Choosing a more active lifestyle - Exercise, exercise, exercise!
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol use Counseling on diet - Some people eat food not only because of hunger, but also because of emotional needs. To avoid obesity, the better way is to eat only when hungry and to satisfy emotional needs from other things.

Drugs used to treat obesity usually affect levels of certain hormones in areas of the brain associated with food intake and satisfaction. This temporarily decreases the urge to eat and, with appropriate diet and exercise, supports weight loss efforts. The following is certain ways for the treatment and also prevention of obesity:

1. Cutting calories.
2. Starting an exercise program.
3. Using healthy stress management techniques.
4. Surgical intervention - In rare cases, surgery may be the treatment of choice for people with clinically severe obesity who have not been helped by other medical therapies. For all surgical candidates, an integrated medical program must be in place to provide guidance on diet, physical activity and support before and after the surgery.

   physical activity and support before and after the surgery.

   
   
   
   
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