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Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Obesity

Obesity means having too much body fat. It is different from being overweight, which means weighing too much. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat and/or body water. Both terms mean that a person's weight is greater than what's considered healthy for his or her height.

Obesity occurs over time when you eat more calories than you use. The balance between calories-in and calories-out differs for each person. Factors that might tip the balance include your genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods and not being physically active.

Being obese increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and some cancers. If you are obese, losing even 5 to 10 percent of your weight can delay or prevent some of these diseases.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Obesity on Wikipedia

concern throughout the developed and developing world. Scientists investigating the mechanisms and treatment of obesity are using transgenic animals, such as the mouse on left, to learn more. '''Obesity''' is a condition in which the natural energy reserve of humans or other mammals, which is stored in adipose tissue, is expanded far beyond usual levels to the point where it impairs health. Obesity in wild animals is relatively rare, but it is common in domestic animals like pig and household pets who may be overeating and exercise. In humans it is considered a major challenge to health. While cultural and scientific definitions of obesity are subject to change, it is accepted that excessive body weight predisposes to various forms of disease, particularly cardiovascular disease. Interventions, such as weight loss and medication, are frequently recommended to reduce this risk, and many people undertake weight loss regimens for aesthetic reasons.

Definition

member countries. ''Obesity'' is a concept that is being continually redefined. In humans, the most common statistical estimate of obesity is the body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing the weight by the height squared; its unit is therefore kilogram/square meter, although no actual surface is implied. The BMI was created in the 19th century by the Belgium statistician Adolphe Quetelet. Interpretation of the BMI: * A person with a BMI over 25.0 kg/m2 is considered '''overweight''' * A BMI over 30.0 kg/m2 denotes obesity. * A further threshold at 40.0 kg/m2 is identified as urgent morbidity risk ("morbid obesity"). The American ...   [ Read More ]


External Resources

Tech Central Station: The Super Size Me Con - Provides articles and reviews with facts and science-based information on obesity and nutrition to counter balance the documentary.

Don Lemmon's Know How - Nutritionist to many celebrities and pro athletes. Specializes in fat loss, obesity, digestion and body building.

Hypertension Crusade - By Dr. Johann Georg Schnitzer. Offers a variety of books on hypertension, cardiovascular health, and obesity.

Magic Nature - Tea from papaya leaves for vitamin deficiency and obesity.

Enzyme Essentials - Digestive enzymes to help nutritional and gastric disorders like heartburn, indigestion, and obesity. Includes product recommendations for individual health problems.

Optifast - A medical weight loss program using a liquid formula diet for obesity treatment.

Maximum Fitness - Weight loss programs for obesity are offered by Gary Matthews from Australia involving a combination of nutrition and exercise.

Ultimate Fit or Fat - Weight loss book by fitness author Covert Bailey, stressing that the only cure for obesity is exercise. Also offers other books, videos, and personal coaching programs.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute - HHMI investigators have been involved in many important recent advances, from the discovery of genes related to cystic fibrosis, obesity, and other diseases, to new insights about how human cells develop or communicate.

Attractin - Resource, including its relationship to immunity, pigmentation, neurochemistry, obesity, mutations resulting in the genotypes of mahogany, zitter, myelin vacuolation and black tremor in rodents. Maintained at DFCI, Boston, MA.


Related Pages on HealthTales.com:

Obesity in Children

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