About Obesity

• Obesity What is Obesity? Obesity is when a person has too much body fat. It’s more than being a little overweight; it means having much more weight than is healthy for your height.

Doctors often use Body Mass Index (BMI) to check this. A BMI of 30 or higher usually means a person is obese. Obesity can happen when people take in more calories from food than they burn through activity and normal body functions. Extra calories get stored as fat. Obesity is a complex condition. It’s not just about willpower, things like genetics, the environment, and social factors also play a role.

Many things can contribute to obesity: • Overeating, especially foods high in fat and sugar • Not getting enough exercise • Genetics (some people are more likely to gain weight because of their genes) • Certain medical conditions or medications • Lack of sleep • Stress • Environmental factors, like easy access to unhealthy foods

Obesity can cause many other health problems, including • Heart disease • High blood pressure • Type 2 diabetes • Some types of cancer • Sleep apnea (trouble breathing while sleeping) • Osteoarthritis (joint pain) • Mental health issues like depression Treating obesity usually involves making lifestyle changes, such as: • Eating a healthier diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains • Getting regular exercise • Changing behaviors around food and activity • In some cases, doctors might recommend weight-loss medications or surgery Trend • In the United States, obesity is a big problem that's getting worse. Here are some numbers: • Currently, about 42% of American adults are obese. That's about 138 million people. • In the last five years, the number of obese adults has increased. In 2015-2016, about 39.6% of adults were obese, compared to 42.4% in 2017-2018. • Looking ahead five years, if this trend continues, we might see obesity rates reach 45% or higher by 2028. That could mean over 150 million obese adults in the U.S. History People have always had different body shapes and sizes, but obesity as a widespread health problem is relatively new. In the early 1900s, being heavier was often seen as a sign of health and wealth. But as food became more plentiful and jobs became less physical, people started gaining weight. In the 1950s and 60s, doctors began to notice more health problems related to excess weight. By the 1980s, obesity rates started rising quickly. Fast food, sugary drinks, and less active lifestyles all played a part. In 1985, no state had an obesity rate higher than 15%. By 2019, every state had rates over 20%, with many over 30%. Today, obesity is recognized as a major public health issue. Governments and health organizations are working on ways to help people maintain healthier weights and prevent obesity-related diseases. Obesity - Sources of Information • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/ • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/definition-facts • National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/obesity.html • World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.