Medically Verified By: Dr. Dheeraj Naik
Obesity is characterized by having an excess amount of body fat. The two terms, obesity and overweight, are often simultaneously used, but they are both different. A person is overweight if they weigh higher than what is considered normal for their age and height. However, muscle, bone, fat and body water all contribute toward a person’s weight; obesity develops over time.
Obesity is a worldwide health concern. It has been reported that >1.9 billion of the world population is overweight, and ~650 million are obese. In India, the prevalence of obesity is increasing at a steady rate, with >135 million of its population falling under the category of obesity.
Obesity can be divided into the following type with the help of body mass index (BMI). BMI determines weight with respect to the height of the person.
When the amount of calories consumed by a person is greater than the amount of energy they burn each day, it results in obesity. This can occur because of a number of reasons:
Calculating BMI is the most commonly used method for diagnosing obesity. The waist circumference is measured for determining abdominal obesity. A waist size if >94 cm in men and >80 cm in women is defined as abdominal obesity.
Weight loss is not a short term thing; one needs to think about the long-term approaches of maintaining a healthy weight. This can be achieved only by making nutritional changes, lifestyle and behaviour.
Nutritional Management
It is difficult to suddenly change one’s eating habits; however, making small dietary changes to everyday food habits can make considerable difference. Eating a low-calorie diet and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into one's diet can help one lose weight.
Physical Activity
Performing regular physical activity can help one maintain a healthy lifestyle along with losing weight. Adults should perform at least 150 min of physical activity per week. Small changes in daily activities such as taking the stairs rather than the elevator improve fitness. Note that 30 min of daily aerobic exercises are recommended. This includes:
Medications can help in losing weight only when they are used along with diet and exercise. They should be only used in patients who have failed to achieve weight loss with exercise and diet. Prescription drugs are approved for the following category of patients:
Over time, obesity paves the way for a number of health complications. If not controlled early, it can lead to the following medical conditions:
There is no specific approach to prevent obesity. The combination of physical exercise and healthy eating is the key to avoid weight gain.
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Health experts say that addressing the obesity epidemic will not only lead to better health outcomes but also reduce medical costs.
Many people think regular exercise and a proper diet will help them lose weight. But they also need to consider a few other things.
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It is very easy to lose weight. But can you also sustain this weight loss? It is a challenge but if you stick to your goals, you body will soon accept it and help you in your efforts.
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Weight issues have always been associated with lifestyle diseases like diabetes and blood pressure. What's with increasing weight or say obesity that puts you at an increased risk of getting type-2 diabetes.
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Stevia is a non-toxic, zero-calorie natural sweetener that be used as an alternative to sugar. It comes with a range of health benefits and can help you lose weight too.
You don't have to starve yourself to lose weight nor do you have to follow fad diets. Read on to know how a change in habits can help you attain your perfect weight.
Weight loss apps can help you track calorie intake and also your level of physical activity. Read on to know more.
According to a new study, too much fructose can prevent your liver from burning fat. Read on to know about the health risks associated with this food.
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Breast cancer is curable if detected early but lack of awareness has pushed up mortality rates. World Breast Cancer Awareness Month seeks to spread awareness about this condition and garner support to control it.
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According to a new study, today's obesity epidemic may be the result of unregulated sugar intake that you may have indulged in decades ago. Read on to know more.
If you are trying intermittent fasting to loose weight then it is important to eat the right food when you break your fast. Read on to know more.
Bananas are tasty, easily available and can be eaten at any time of the day. According to a diet plan from Japan, eating this fruit for breakfast can help in weight loss too.
Many people think regular exercise and a proper diet will help them lose weight. But they also need to consider a few other things.
Obesity and diabetes often go hand in hand. If you are obese, you are more at risk of developing diabetes. But with exercise, you can bring down this risk considerably.
Oedema can cause fluid accumulation in your body. This can lead to obesity. Read on to know how to get rid of this condition.
It is very easy to lose weight. But can you also sustain this weight loss? It is a challenge but if you stick to your goals, you body will soon accept it and help you in your efforts.
Misconceptions that surround losing belly fat can negatively affect the numbers on your weighing scale. Read on to get rid of them.
Weight issues have always been associated with lifestyle diseases like diabetes and blood pressure. What's with increasing weight or say obesity that puts you at an increased risk of getting type-2 diabetes.
If you are morbidly obese, weight loss surgery may be the only option for you. Read on to know about the different types of invasive procedures that can help you lose weight.
According to a new study, traffic exhaust may increase your risk of stroke. But so can an unhealthy lifestyle and family history of hypertension.
Obesity is a condition that can easily be controlled by eating a healthy and nutritious diet. Read on to know more.
Fat in the lungs is a real possibility for alcoholics and obese people. And, this may increase your risk of many health conditions.
Do you enjoy a cold glass of beer on a sizzling summer afternoon? We reveal why this may give you a beer belly.
Stevia is a non-toxic, zero-calorie natural sweetener that be used as an alternative to sugar. It comes with a range of health benefits and can help you lose weight too.
You don't have to starve yourself to lose weight nor do you have to follow fad diets. Read on to know how a change in habits can help you attain your perfect weight.
Weight loss apps can help you track calorie intake and also your level of physical activity. Read on to know more.
According to a new study, too much fructose can prevent your liver from burning fat. Read on to know about the health risks associated with this food.
According to a new study, if you lose even 10 per cent of your body weight, you may be able to reverse your diabetes. Read on to know how to achieve weight loss if you suffer from this condition.
Breast cancer is curable if detected early but lack of awareness has pushed up mortality rates. World Breast Cancer Awareness Month seeks to spread awareness about this condition and garner support to control it.
Heart diseases cause more death among women than any other diseases. But with a few lifestyle modifications, this can easily be avoided.
A high level of uric acid or hyperuricemia is known to be behind the inflammatory condition gout. But it may also cause heart failure and heart attacks. Read on to know more.
According to a new study, today's obesity epidemic may be the result of unregulated sugar intake that you may have indulged in decades ago. Read on to know more.
If you are trying intermittent fasting to loose weight then it is important to eat the right food when you break your fast. Read on to know more.
Bananas are tasty, easily available and can be eaten at any time of the day. According to a diet plan from Japan, eating this fruit for breakfast can help in weight loss too.
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