Obesity

The Facts About Obesity

Obesity is a serious condition that affects millions of people from all walks of life. Carrying around excess body fat can lower your self-confidence and wreak havoc on your body—from your brain to your feet and virtually everything in between—and make you more susceptible to a host of diseases. But don't despair! If you want to understand what causes obesity and learn how to prevent and treat it, you've come to the right place.

When Is It Bad to Be #1?

The World Health Organization ranks the United States tops among all countries when it comes to obesity. A full one-third of the population boasts a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, and the rate continues to rise. Who says coming in first is necessarily a good thing?

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Childhood Obesity

Adults aren't the only ones struggling with excess weight. The number of obese children in the U.S. has tripled since the 1980s, with about one-third of kids now either obese or at risk of becoming so. The most common culprits? You guessed it: too much unhealthy food and not enough exercise.

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Am I Overweight or Obese?

While both conditions stem from having excess body fat, there's a difference between the two. It all comes down to BMI. To find yours, learn how to calculate your BMI. If the number is between 25 and 29.9, you're overweight. Came up with a 30 or higher? That's an indication of obesity.

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What Causes Obesity?

For many people, the main cause of obesity is a big imbalance between calories in and calories out (hello, fast food drive-through!). When you combine lots of high-calorie, high-fat foods with lots of sitting, it's inevitable that the needle on the scale is going to move up. An overabundance of stress or lack of sleep, among other things, can also contribute toward obesity.

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How Unhealthy Is Obesity?

Being obese doesn't simply mean a bigger number on the scale. It also means a much bigger risk for a number of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression and even cancer. Find out more by clicking on the Symptoms tab above.

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How Do I Prevent Obesity?

Your most powerful weapon in the fight against obesity is to live a healthy lifestyle that includes smart food choices and daily exercise. Also remember to minimize stress and get enough sleep. Together these habits will help you make great strides toward keeping obesity at bay.