2.

1 Definition obesity

Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn't
just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems such as
heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Being extremely obese means you are especially likely to have health problems related to
your weight.

The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health
problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and
behavior changes can help you lose weight. Prescription medications or weight-loss
surgery also may be options for treating obesity.

2.2 Causes obesity

Obesity occurs when your body consumes more calories than it burns. In the past, many
people thought that obesity was simply caused by overeating and under-exercising,
resulting from a lack of will power and self-control. Although these are significant
contributing factors, doctors recognize that obesity is a complex medical problem that
involves genetic, environmental, behavioural, and social factors. All these factors play a
role in determining a person's weight.

Recent research shows that in some cases, certain genetic factors may cause the changes
in appetite and fat metabolism that lead to obesity. For a person who is genetically prone
to weight gain (e.g., has a lower metabolism) and who leads an inactive and unhealthy
lifestyle, the risk of becoming obese is high.

Although a person's genetic makeup may contribute to obesity, it's not the primary cause.
Environmental and behavioural factors have a greater influence - consuming excess
calories from high-fat foods and doing little or no daily physical activity over the long run
will lead to weight gain. Psychological factors may also foster obesity. Low self-esteem,
guilt, emotional stress, or trauma can lead to overeating as a means to cope with the
problem.
2.3 factor risk

The health risks associated with obesity include:

a. breathing disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

b. certain types of cancers (e.g., prostate and bowel cancer in men, breast and uterine
cancer in women)
c. coronary artery (heart) disease
d. depression
e. diabetes
f. gallbladder or liver disease
g. gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
h. high blood pressure
i. high cholesterol
j. joint disease (e.g., osteoarthritis)
k. stroke
People who are obese may have the symptoms of the medical conditions mentioned
above. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, breathing problems, and joint pain (in
the knees or lower back) are common. The more obese a person is, the more likely they
are to have medical problems related to obesity.

2.4 Diagnosing obesity

The diagnosis of obesity is usually based on a physical examination and a patient history
(i.e., eating and exercise habits).

A measurement called the body mass index (BMI) does not directly measure body fat, but
it is a useful tool to assess the health risk associated with being overweight or obese. A
BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered within the healthy range. The BMI is calculated using
kilograms (kg) and metres (m) instead of pounds (lb) and inches/feet. Keep in mind that
1 lb equals 0.45 kg and 1 inch equals 0.0254 m.

BMI is calculated as follows:

BMI = body weight (kg) height (m)

 Example: if you weigh 150 lbs (68 kg) and are 5'8" (1.73 m) tall,
divide 68 by(1.73 1.73), or 2.99. The result is 22.74, which is right in the middle of the
healthy range.

Health Canada classifies BMI according to the associated risk of developing health
problems:

BMI value Classification* Health risk

Less than 18.5 Underweight Increased

18.5 to 24.9 Normal weight Least

25.0 to 29.9 Overweight Increased

30.0 to 34.9 Obese class I High

35.0 to 39.9 Obese class II Very high

40 or higher Obese class III Extremely high

*The above classification does not apply to people younger than 18 years of age,
pregnant women, or breast-feeding women. For people 65 years and older, the "normal"
range is higher, beginning slightly above 18.5 and extending into the "overweight" range.

Doctors may also use other measurements, such as waist size, to evaluate health risks
associated with excess abdominal fat. When BMI and waist size indicate a high risk for
health problems, additional tests may also be performed.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/basics/treatment/con-
20014834

http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/channel_condition_info_details.asp?
channel_id=1055&relation_id=17519&disease_id=95&page_no=2#Diagnosis

http://www.noo.org.uk/NOO_about_obesity/lifestyle