Obesity: An Underrated 'Silent Killer' - Its Causes & Management

Obesity or overweight is a state of the body in which excess fat is stored in tissues. Obesity is often expressed in terms of body mass index (BMI).The Greeks were the first to recognize obesity as medical disorder. Obesity was once known to be a disease of the rich and advanced countries but due to the changes in life style and eating behavior this menace is catching up very fast in the developing world as well. Obesity also affects the children as well as adults. It is the one of the most significant contributors to ill health. Overweight is usually due to obesity but can arise from other causes such as abnormal muscles development. Studies show that the person suffering from obesity suffer from many health risk problems like heart disease, stroke, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Globally there are more than 100 crore overweight adult at least 30 crore of them obese. Almost 15% of Indians are obese. Obesity in India is not restricted by age or gender. Childhood obesity is also becoming more prevalent. It was found that 38% women and 30% men are obese in Punjab. World Health organization (W.H.O) has recognized it as global epidemic as reported in its technical report. Obesity can be become a chronic lifelong condition due to bad habits of eating, physical inactivity and some genetic problems. No matter whatever the cause obesity can be managed with the combination of diet, and exercise behavior. In severe cases weight loss medications and surgery can be done.