Obesity

Risk factors for developing obesity include:

• Childhood obesity: Obesity in children and adolescents often continues into adulthood.
• Being overweight: Overweight is defined as a BMI greater than 25 but less than 30 kg/m2. Being overweight can eventually lead to obesity.
• Excessive caloric intake: Increased caloric intake, especially in the form of saturated fats and simple sugars, increases the risk of becoming obese.
• Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle and general lack of physical activity increases the likelihood of becoming obese.
• Ethnicity: Hispanic and African Americans are at greatest risk, followed by individuals of European and Asian descent.
• Genetics: Twin and adoption studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in obesity. Large groups of individuals have been evaluated for genetic variation related to the development of obesity. The genetic variations identified can be divided into 2 main groups: 1) rare forms that explain only a small fraction of the obese population, and 2) common forms that are present in a larger proportion of the obese population such as the ones presented here.

Prevention and treatment

Obesity is the second leading preventable cause of death after smoking. Obesity is mainly caused by consuming more calories than are used during physical activity and daily life. General prevention involves balancing dietary intake and physical activity to maintain a healthy body weight.

Treatment for obesity includes restricted caloric intake and an exercise program. Both should be structured towards permanent change in lifestyle and long-term maintenance of an appropriate weight. An obesity treatment regimen may include behavioral management (such as goal setting and support groups), medications, and, in some cases, surgery. Everyone intending to make significant changes in their diet or lifestyle should first seek advice from their doctor. Treatment of obesity is a crucial health issue because it is associated with many other serious diseases.

More information

You can find out more information about obesity by talking with your doctor and visiting these Web sites:

• American Diabetes Association
• American Heart Association
• American Obesity Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Obesity in America
• Weight-Control Information Network

This content was last reviewed on February 11, 2010.