Obesity is a condition of excessive fatness. Fatness is often expressed as a percentage of body weight.

Prepubertal boys and girls typically have about 15 percent of their body weight as fat, while the average adult male is 20 percent fat, and the average adult female is 30 percent fat. Body fatness is measured using a variety of techniques, such as body densitometry, electrical impedance, and skin-fold thickness. Total body weight, although it includes muscle, bone, and internal organs, in addition to body fat, can be used as an index of fatness, especially when expressed in relation to body height. A ratio of weight and height, called the body mass index (BMI), has been adopted for use in the assessment of children, adolescents, and adults. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight, in kilograms, by the square of the height, in meters (kg/m2). If pounds and inches are used, then the quotient (pounds divided by inches squared) multiplied by 704.5. For adult men and women, BMI greater than 25 signifies overweight, and BMI greater than 30 indicates obesity. During childhood, BMI varies by gender and normally increases with age. Obesity is determined with a graph or reference table that gives the eighty-fifth percentile for age (as a criteria for overweight) and the ninety-fifth percentile for age (as a criteria for obese) for boys and girls. In 2000 the CDC published revised percentile standards for BMI (see Table). Obesity is caused by a variety of factors, all of which result in an excess of caloric intake relative to the body's expenditure of energy (calories) at rest, during activity, and, in childhood and adolescence, for growth. Calorie intake in excess of these needs is converted to fat. Less than 2 percent of obesity in childhood is due to endocrinologic conditions, such as thyroid disease. An equally small percentage is due to genetic disorders (e.g., the Prader-Willi Syndrome). Though obesity "runs in families," the genetic contributions to fatness are not well understood. A shared environment also contributes to the hereditary pattern of obesity, with parental influences on diet and exercise during childhood and adolescence. Numerous studies have failed to precisely define the relative contributions of caloric intake and expenditure to the development of obesity. The difference in daily intake necessary to result in as much as a ten-pound difference in weight gain over the course of a year is actually as little as a hundred calories per day. Studies have shown that more time spent using television, VCRs, and video games is associated with a greater likelihood of obesity and that decreasing the amount of time spent watching television correlates with less weight gain. Some interesting developmental factors may contribute to overconsumption of calories. These include difficult infant or child temperament, poor self-regulation of intake, and an "obese eating style," involving rapid eating and rapid consumption of calories. Studies of infant feeding have revealed a style of vigorous feeding, similar to the obese eating style, with rapid sucking, at higher pressure, resulting in greater caloric intake at a feed. Studies of children's ability to self-regulate dietary intake have found poorer self-regulation of eating in fatter girls and in children exposed to a highly controlling parenting style. Studies of child temperament have found that difficult children (low in rhythmicity, approach, and adaptability; high in intensity; and negative in mood) show more rapid weight gain, perhaps as a result of being overfed by parents who use feeding as a soothing technique, and may later use eating as a technique for comforting themselves. Obesity has significant medical consequences, especially for adults, but also for children and adolescents. Among adults, obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), strokes, cancer, and many other diseases. During adolescence and childhood, obesity can contribute to problems of the joints, especially the hips, knees, and spine, and more difficulty with chronic illnesses, such as asthma. Obesity affects the endocrine system, leading to changes in sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and the ability to respond appropriately to insulin. Type II diabetes has become more common during adolescence as the prevalence of obesity has increased. Sleep apnea, due to obstructed breathing during sleep, is more common among obese children and adolescents.

The psychological consequences of obesity are very important during childhood and adolescence. Though some studies have found similar prevalence of psychological problems in obese and normal weight children, obese children are often teased by other children, excluded from peer group activities, picked last (if at all) for sports teams, and shunned during social activities. Stigmatization of obesity is commonplace throughout the media, especially television, movies, and popular magazines. Unfortunately, poor self-esteem, depression, and the development of eating disorders occur often in individuals with histories of obesity. Obese adults are even discriminated against when they apply for jobs and during the application process for college. Obesity is not a disease that can be diagnosed on the basis of one or more blood tests or treated with one or a combination of medications. Until the true genetic contributions to the development of excessive fatness are better understood, treatment will remain a process of managing the balance between calorie in-take and expenditure. This behavioral treatment process must support reduction in calorie intake, modification of food selection, reduction in sedentary time, and increase in caloric expenditure. Important components of change include the use of diet diaries, to help recognize needed diet change, and the careful replacement of unhealthy food choices with lower calorie items that supply adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Similarly, increasing energy expenditure can be the result of reducing reliance on cars, public transportation, elevators, and other conveniences, while increasing the time spent walking, bicycling, or other ways of expending energy, such as using stairs. Modification of diet and activity and change in the degree of obesity among children over the age of eight years can occur in weekly group treatment programs that also involve parents in separate group sessions. Three treatment program characteristics contribute most to positive results: comprehensive treatment (including a combination of behavioral modification procedures, a special diet, and an exercise program); explicit inclusion of behavior modification techniques; and focus on children with more severe obesity. The diet should emphasize calorie and fat reduction (tailored to the child's age and metabolic needs), include a simple categorization of foods understood easily by children, and be supervised by a health professional. Key facts Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. In 2008, 1.5 billion adults, 20 and older, were overweight. Of these over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women were obese. 65% of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight. Nearly 43 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2010. Obesity is preventable.

What are overweight and obesity?

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2). The WHO definition is:

 a BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight a BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity. BMI provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. However, it should be considered a rough guide because it may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals.

Facts about overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. At least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. In addition, 44% of the diabetes burden, 23% of the ischaemic heart disease burden and between 7% and 41% of certain cancer burdens are attributable to overweight and obesity. Some WHO global estimates from 2008 follow. 1.5 billion adults, 20 and older, were overweight. Of these 1.5 billion overweight adults, over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women were obese. Overall, more than one in ten of the worlds adult population was obese. In 2010, around 43 million children under five were overweight. Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. Close to 35 million overweight children are living in developing countries and 8 million in developed countries. Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. For example, 65% of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight (this includes all high-income and most middle-income countries).

What causes obesity and overweight?

The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally, there has been: an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat, salt and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients; and a decrease in physical activity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization. Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often the result of environmental and societal changes associated with development and lack of supportive policies in sectors such as health, agriculture, transport, urban planning, environment, food processing, distribution, marketing and education.

What are common health consequences of overweight and obesity?

Raised BMI is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as: cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), which were the leading cause of death in 2008; diabetes; musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis - a highly disabling degenerative disease of

the joints); some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon). The risk for these noncommunicable diseases increases, with the increase in BMI. Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

Facing a double burden of disease

Many low- and middle-income countries are now facing a "double burden" of disease. While they continue to deal with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are experiencing a rapid upsurge in noncommunicable disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings. It is not uncommon to find under-nutrition and obesity existing side-by-side within the same country, the same community and the same household. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate pre-natal, infant and young child nutrition At the same time, they are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energydense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost. These dietary patterns in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while undernutrition issues remain unsolved.

How can overweight and obesity be reduced?

Overweight and obesity, as well as their related noncommunicable diseases, are largely preventable. Supportive environments and communities are fundamental in shaping peoples choices, making the healthier choice of foods and regular physical activity the easiest choice, and therefore preventing obesity. At the individual level, people can: limit energy intake from total fats; increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts; limit the intake of sugars; engage in regular physical activity; achieve energy balance and a healthy weight.

Individual responsibility can only have its full effect where people have access to a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, at the societal level it is important to: support individuals in following the recommendations above, through sustained political commitment and the collaboration of many public and private stakeholders; make regular physical activity and healthier dietary patterns affordable and easily accessible too all - especially the poorest individuals. The food industry can play a significant role in promoting healthy diets by: reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of processed foods; ensuring that healthy and nutritious choices are available and affordable to all consumers;

 practicing responsible marketing; ensuring the availability of healthy food choices and supporting regular physical activity practice in the workplace.

WHO response
Adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2004, the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health describes the actions needed to support healthy diets and regular physical activity. The Strategy calls upon all stakeholders to take action at global, regional and local levels to improve diets and physical activity patterns at the population level. WHO has developed the 2008-2013 Action plan for the global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases to help the millions who are already affected cope with these lifelong illnesses and prevent secondary complications. This action plan aims to build on, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. The action plan provides a roadmap to establish and strengthen initiatives for the surveillance, prevention and management of NCDs. Obesity is a condition that results from the accumulation of excess fat in the body. In general, a person has obesity when the weight of the person is 20 percent or more above the normal recommended weight based on the person's height, age, sex and build or bone structure. There is what is called the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat, calculated using a formula that requires the height and the weight of an adult (either man or woman). Persons with a BMI of less than 18.5 are underweight. A person is considered to be of normal weight if his or her BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9; overweight if the BMI is between 25 and 29.9; and obese if it is 30 and above. If the BMI is 40 or exceeds 40, then the person is said to be morbidly obese. The accumulation of too much fat in the body, leads to serious health risks, including death in severe cases of obesity, especially morbid obesity. Therefore, irrespective of the causes of obesity, it is essential for obese people to take suitable steps for losing as much weight as is necessary to bring it to the level of normal BMI. Ingestion of honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. 10 grams of honey should be taken with hot water while starting and the doze can be increased with the time. Cabbage is considered to be an effective home remedy for obesity. It contains a valuable content called tartroric acid, which inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. It is recommended to have more protein as weight loss is often accompanied by loss of protein tissue as well as fat tissue. About 20 percent of the total energy should be provided from proteins like low fat milk and whole pulses. Fats should provide 20 percent of the total energy. Fried foods like chips should be avoided. High fat foods like butter, cheese, meats, chicken, cream, ice creams and chocolates should be restricted. The rest 60percent of the energy should be provided from carbohydrates and it should be from dietary fibres like barley, maize, wheat flour, and dry peas. High carbohydrate foods such as breads, cakes, cookies, dry fruits, honey jam, syrups, potatoes and sweet potatoes should be avoided. Fresh juices, water and lemon drinks are good as they contain fewer calories. Drink a glass of fruit or vegetable juice after your meals. These juice drinks contains high fiber and it will help to absorb the excess fat in your stomach. You might also hear about Phentermine weight loss diet pills that work as a rapid weight reduction pill, which shows its results in a very short duration of time. It is used for a short-term management of obesity amongst obese people. It functions firstly by stabilizing the weight and then by reducing it.

Phentermine is different from other diet pills in the sense that it also provides you with some energy that is necessary to perform your daily work around the house and office. Thus while keeping your energy levels up, it assists you in burning the excess fat stored in your body. To overcome obesity is a difficult work for many, and finding the right support system for achieving and maintaining your weight loss goal. Finding a right partner, such as friend or family member to exercise with you can be an excellent way to overcome obesity. Even finding someone who will diet with you is also not a bad idea and will raise your chances of succeeding.

There are various reasons attributed for the casues of Obesity There are certain genetical factors plays a vital role in obesity. excess consuption of fatty or foods.OVER EATING is not a smart sign but a one step towards to OVER WEIGHT. Slow metabolism- Metabolism is a process in which calories are burned. Some women feels very much disappointed that even after rigrous excercise they do not reduce weight. studies confirms the fact that women have less muscle than men and muscle burns more calories than tissue. As a result women have slower metabolism which causes weight reduction difficult for women. Less physical activities: Unless regular physical activities calaries will not burn. National health and examination survey exhibit that physical inactivity was strongly correlated with weight gain in both male as well female. Certain medications trigger weight gain. Psychiatric drugs like olanzepine, BP medications as well certain diabetic medications. Psychological factors: Some women over come anxity and depressive mood by eating more and eating caually. Lack of sleep is an another cause of obesity. Management of obesity Medical fraternity generally agree that people who have a BMI of 30 or greater can improve through weight loss.This is even a consolation to extreme obese cases where BMI is greater than 40! Treatments of Obesity: Treatments are solely depends on individual parameters. As old adage says prevention is better than cure so control the BMI with in the range before proceed further increase. How to focus towards a promising weight loss Establish a reasonable target weight: Consultyour BMI score with your doctor and alow him to assess the related rsk factors attached to the current score. Then plan a systematic weight loss by fixing a proximate number. write down this target point in your bathroom wall paper( if you have) or diary or PDA. Always keep a high positive frame of mind before proceed for weightloss plans. Never try to fix unreasonable atrget as its diffcult for reaching extreme BMI immediatly so you can avoid deperession. Small amount of weight loss trigeers confidence Even a small reduction in wieight will makes you looks more healthy and positive. The psychological factors will work favour for you as any successfull activity will promtas to expand further. The property of weight loss is such a way that outsiders will notice the change immediatly than us so this will instill confidence and improves the quality of life and self esteem.

Best health diet tips Drink plenty of water or other calorie free beverages. Avoid the habit of drinking soft drinks often. Think about what you can position with your regular diet . Never think what you can take away from your diet. Choose snacks if you are really hungry avoid eating snacks at night.Be choosy avoid eating food while watching TV that will trigger you to have more. leave apart junk food Enjoy your favorite food. Rather than having a big meal eat several mini- meals during a day Eat more fruits and vegetables Be a vibrant person everywhere Any kind of physical activities are good for the health as they not only help to improve weight but increases the health as well reduce risk factors. Those who work in software institutes or in office job will not be able to do more excercise. Always remember excercise doesnt means we need to tire the body. A simple trick selected by mt friend really encouraged me she use to avoid lips while going to office. Every morning she avoids apartment lifts as well office lift! Good one ! Always prefer a reasonable excercise plans consult with your dietician or family before proceed further extremes. Our minds repulse towards hard things. Excercise doesnt means punishing your body. You can select a game as the part of your daily weight lloss plan. games like badminton, cycling, tennis football etc will not only reduce weight but improve blood flow as well fitness. Choose enjoyable aerobic activity 1. 2. 3. 4. Swimming aerobic classes dancing ( as it become the fashion in everywhere) brisk walking or jogging

Fine tune yourself and be a GOOD to yourself Get plenty of sleep. Stop sleeping at late night. follow a regular sleeping schedule, avoid phone calls during night and put mobile on silent mode as they inturrupt the sound sleep. Sound sleep is priceless!! Do more relaxing activities like YOGA prefer to be with a gropu of inner circle where you are honoured and inspired. your firendhsip circles can give you enough kick so that you will eat more and more laughter is the most relaxing excercise ..practice it.... apply it, you will see the change POSITIVE ATTITUDE This life is so precious we need to enjoy the seconds. Life is more than just being a rich or a successfull professional. It is to be useful, to be honourable. we are not only living but we have to live well. Your positive frame of mind is like a perfume that instills fragrance around. You will be a most wanted

person in your peer group as you demontrate the vitalities like honesty, trust and integrity. Never be discouraged with weight or obesity as life is more passionate than this. If you decide you can challenge everything including yuor own obesity. God Bless you

Health - Obesity & Children

Jason Bauder Obesity and children Many people are concerned in our culture that far too many children are becoming overweight and in some cases obese. Obesity in children is a growing trend and this trend can have significant negative affects on a child's physical as well as mental health. Many children are eating too much or eating the wrong kinds of food causing them to become obese. Part of the problem is processed food and fast food. Many times all a child needs is to have a balanced and healthy diet available for each meal. Unfortunately with our hectic lives it is far easier to get a meal at the local fast food restaurant then cook a healthy dinner or lunch at home. Many children are eating burgers and fries when they should be eating more fruits and vegetables. Another problem is processed foods. Many children have grown accustomed to chips, chocolate bars and junk food. Most of the times a child only wants to eat something that tastes good and they don't care if it is nutritious or not. This is a time that a parent must be strict with their child and explain to them that junk food on a regular basis is not healthy. Parents are sometimes enabling their child to eat unhealthy food which can cause obesity. If your child is obese or overweight you should talk to a pediatrician on creating a diet and physical fitness program.

Combating Obesity
David Chandler

So you ask, " How do I determine if I am Obese, Overweight or fat?" Usually 20% or more over recommendations on standard weight charts indicates that you fit into the obese category. Obesity refers specifically to having an abnormally high proportion of body fat. An estimated 97 million adults in the United States, 55% of the population, are overweight or obese! Similar percentages exist for the United Kingdom, showing that the United Kingdom having the highest percentage in Europe. Obesity is increasing Largest increase has occurred in the last 10 to 15 years. Increases were seen in both sexes and all classes, with the greatest increase in 18- to 29-year-olds and in those who have achieved higher education. Weight gain is dependent on a person's energy intake being greater than energy expenditure. One pound (0.45 kg) is equal to 3,500 calories. Therefore, a person consuming 500 calories more than he or she expends daily will gain 1 lb a week. Food cravings Weight alterations in either direction cause changes in energy expenditure that favor a return to the set point. This helps explain the poor problem of recidivism following attempted weight loss. Only by reaching a lower weight for a period of time can the person get used to feeling lighter. Children Children become overweight for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. In rare cases, a medical problem, such as an endocrine disorder, may cause a child to become overweight. Your physician can perform a careful physical exam and some blood tests, if necessary, to rule out this type of problem. TIPS A sensible diet and some exercise, has shown to be the most effective thing to do. A key point is not to eat too much junk food and to ensure you get the basic nutrition your body needs. You should eat at least two portions of fruit and vegetables each day. We would highly recommend supplementing your diet with super foods. Physical activity is a necessary component of every weight loss plan. Eat three meals a day at about the same time each day sitting at a table. Eat slowly. Avoid distractions such as television or magazines.

Cook smaller amounts; use smaller plates. Avoid second helpings. Scrape plates directly into the garbage. By following the steps above you can not only rid yourself of the known dangers of being obese, but also you can increase your energy levels and feel better.