Overweight and obesity are both chronic conditions that are the result of an energy imbalance over a period of time. The cause of this energy imbalance can be due to a combination of several different factors and varies from one person to another.Individual behaviors, environmental factors, and genetics all contribute to the complexity of the obesity epidemic. Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an negative effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.Weight gain usually involves the combination of consuming too many calories and not expending enough through physical activity.

How do we measure if someone is obese ?

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI Categories:

  • Normal weight =18.5-24.9
  • Overweight = 25-29.9
  • Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

When you eat more than you use, it is stored in your body as “fat”. Causes :

  • Global shift in how we eat
  • Western diet of processed food
  • Higher sugar, fat and calories in what we eat
  • Less nutrients
  • Reduced intake of vitamins and minerals

It makes you more likely to have conditions including:1. Heart disease and stroke.2. High blood pressure.3. Diabetes.4. Gallbladder disease and gallstones.5. Osteoarthritis.6. Gout.7. Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for short episodes during sleep) and asthma.Causes of Obesity

  • Inactivity
  • Unhealthy diet and eating habits.
  • Pregnancy
  • Lack of sleep
  • Certain medications
  • Medical problems
  • Age
  • Social and economic issues.

Guidelines : 

  • Have a balance of energy and healthy weight
  • Limit how much fat we eat…we need to eat some..but not too much. 
  • Increase fruits and vegetables
  • Limit sugars
  • Increase exercise to at least 30-60 minutes per day on most days!