Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Body Mass Index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) if their BMI is between 25 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2.

It is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, and has shown an alarming increase in the population worldwide, particularly among children and young adults. Authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. It increases the risk of many physical and mental conditions like metabolic syndrome, which includes disorders like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels. One of the strongest is the link with Type 2 Diabetes.

COMMON CAUSES

- Excessive food energy intake

- Lack of physical activity

- Genetic predisposition

- Endocrine disorders

- Psychiatric illness

- Medications

RISK FACTORS

It is an invitation to other diseases, particularly -

- Heart diseases

- Type 2 Diabetes

- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

- Osteoarthritis

- also certain types of cancer