Obesity refers to an increase in total body fat. Often referred to as a disease, obesity is actually a sign of what may well be a spectrum of different kinds of disorders — genetic or environmental. Obesity is associated with significant increases in risk for type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint disease and psychosocial disability. Certain cancers – colon, rectum and prostate in men; uterus, biliary tract, breast and ovary in women – are more prevalent in the obese.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of obesity is your energy level, breathing /snoring and appearance – your body size. Difficulty in doing daily activities, lethargy and breathlessness are also common symptoms. Many medical problems associated with obesity are silent; you may feel healthy and still have health problems that have not yet caused symptoms you notice.
How do I know I am obese?
The easiest and most widely accepted method of determining whether you are obese is by measuring your Body Mass Index, or BMI. To calculate your BMI, follow these steps:
Multiply your weight in pounds by 705; divide by your height in inches; divide this number by your height in inches a second time. A normal BMI = 18.5-24.9; overweight = 25.0-29.9; obese = 30 or greater; and morbidly obese = 40 or greater.
Prevention
Through simple tips, you can nip obesity in its bud. Avoid junk food and eat at set times. Replace soft drinks with tender coconut water, butter-milk or plain water. Go for long walks or engage in hobbies like sports or gardening. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies and include sprouts in your diet. Finally, steer clear of tobacco and alchohol.
