Obesity

 In this post, we will define and identify types of obesity and its causal factors.

Obesity

It is a form of overnutrition where excess body fat accumulates in the body to a point it can impose health complications .

When you refer to the topic on BMI, which was covered in earlier posts, obesity when defined as per its categorizations, ranges above 30 as follows: 

 “class III” obesity values though not well-established,  can further be classified as follows:

•  BMI ≥ 35 – 40 is severe obesity
• A BMI of ≥  40–44.9 or 49.9 is morbid obesity
• A BMI of ≥ 45 or 50 is super obese

Causes of Obesity

A significant number of obesity causal factors are attributed to a combination of excess calorie intake along with a sedentary lifestyle.This decrease in  physical activity levels can greatly be ascribed to the increased reliance on transportation services, heavy dependency on mechanized technologies at work and home . moreover,  palatable foods are more accessible.

Environmental factors and genetic factors are contributory factor to obesity in certain cases, especially if a child has both obese parents.

Certain disorders including endocrine disorders, eating disorders such as binge eating are known to increase the risk of obesity .There are also some medications that can cause an increase in weight gain or changes in body composition; including anti-depressants, insulin,anti-consultants i.e phenytoin and certain types hormonal contraceptives .

Social Factors

In some cultures, being overweight indicates status with those in higher social classes being obese thus. Increasing urbanization rates also lead to a rise in obesity due to the ease to fast foods in urban centres.

Types of Obesity 

Android Obesity

• Central or abdominal adiposity. There is accumulation of fat around the abdomen It is linked to high risk of morbidity.

Gynoid Obesity

• Fat is stored around the hips. It has less morbidity risk .

In the following post , we will look at the health effects of obesity.