It is the second most common cause of preventable death. Obesity is a condition that can be effectively controlled through a strategic diet plan, regular exercise, and an understanding of the body’s genetic makeup. Nowadays, people are following many diet plans readily available on Google, which, instead of showing promising results, turn into a reason for illness. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Obesity

• The imbalance of dietary energy intake and energy consumption is the leading cause of obesity. 
• Family History and Genetic Make-up 
• Sedentary work routine
• Mental diseases like insomnia, eating disorders, etc, can lead to obesity. 
• Junk food consumption is the consumption of food with a higher sugar intake. 
• Lack of physical activity.
• Certain medications, like oral contraceptive pills, can cause obesity.
• Other underlying medical conditions, like PCOS, Hormonal imbalance, can cause weight gain.
• Characteristics of obesity 
• Increased weight is diagnosed based on BMI, Body Mass Index. It is calculated using weight in kilograms and is divided by the square of height in meters.

Obesity is classified based on the BMI

Underweight: When BMI is less than 18.3 kg/m2 

Standard Range: When BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2

Overweight: 25 to 29.9 kg/m2

Obese Class 1: When BMI is between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2

Obese Class 2: 35 to 39.9 kg/m2 

Obese class 3: More than 40 kg/m2

Complications of Obesity 

Obesity can lead to the following diseases: 

• Diabetes Mellitus 
• Hypertension
• Heart diseases 
• Mood behaviours or Mental diseases 
• Cancer 
• Musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis
• Fatty liver diseases 
• Other illnesses etc 

Diagnosis of Obesity 

Diagnosis is based on calculating EMI, Understanding symptoms and physical examination. 

Blood Tests: Complete Blood tests, Liver function tests, Blood sugar levels, etc., were done. 

Other imaging tests. 

Treatment of Obesity 

• Diet Plan: A diet plan designed and guided by a doctor. 
• Do regular exercise 
• Pranayam 
• Yoga 
• Healthy Lifestyle routine. 

A well-planned diet, as recommended by a registered medical professional, is essential for weight loss. Exercises and yoga that suit your body must be followed regularly. Regular health check-ups are a better way to combat obesity.