Obesity: definition, symptoms, classification, consequences and measures

O besity is characterized by an excessive increase in body weight, caused by an exaggerated deposit of fatty substances in the subcutaneous tissue. Obesity is of type android, typically male, with an accumulation of fat in the upper abdomen, gynoid, frequently women, with an accumulation of fat in the lower part.

Obesity: definition, symptoms

To talk about obesity isn't sufficient to ascertain an important overweight but also evaluate the percentage of fat mass (FM). For example, with the same height, sex, age and weight, a lanky and sedentary person may be obese, while a low and sporting individual could have a fatty mass in the standard. In the latter case, one cannot speak of obesity since overweight is due primarily to the bone and to muscle mass, the lean mass (LM). Generally obesity is evaluated with the BMI (Body Mass Index), which connect the body mass with the stature of a person but it's a rough indicator, since the body weight isn't just about fat mass but also from lean mass, Moreover physical activity and sport are healthy for the body, increase lean body mass and help to keep controlled obesity.

Causes Obesity

Obesity results from multiple causes:

• socio-environmental factors and a sedentary lifestyle, are the most common causes for the energy imbalance between calories introduced with power and those consumed;
• psychological factors, stress and emotional disorders can affect the proper nutrition, there are also often pathological forms such as compulsive consumption of food (binge eating);
• antidepressants and corticosteroids may contribute to the development of obesity by increasing hunger, reducing energy metabolism and stimulating the proliferation of fat cells;
• hormonal diseases can increase the level of cortisol that stimulates obesity;
• likely genetic factors;
• any brain damage.

You need to know the causes of obesity and take steps to avoid health problems, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. [photo: www.flickr.com]