Obesity

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by an excess of body fat that presents a risk to health. It is typically quantified using the body mass index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or higher is defined as obesity. The BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. However, BMI does not differentiate between weight due to muscle and weight due to fat, nor does it account for the distribution of fat. Therefore, other assessments such as waist circumference and overall fat distribution are also important in evaluating health risks associated with obesity.

Medical complications associated with obesity are numerous and can affect almost every organ system. These include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular diseases (such as heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Additionally, obesity can lead to metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems, as well as psychological effects such as depression and low self-esteem. The condition is the result of an interplay between genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, which lead to an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure. The management of obesity often requires a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, physical activity, behavioral therapy, pharmacological treatment, and, in some cases, surgery.