Obesity is a state of excess body fat in the body. Once considered a sign of affluence, it is now regarded ungainly in the aesthetic sense and cause of many diseases. In majority of cases, cause for obesity is the imbalance between amount of calories consumed and spent.

There are many factors responsible for obesity. Increasing affluence, dietary habits, social and genetic factors, lack of physical exercise are commonly responsible for increase in weight of an individual.

Taking a high calorie diet with no or negligible physical activity leads to increase in the fat deposited in body parts.

Calories are meant to supply energy to the body for its various functions. These calories are derived from the fats and carbohydrates present in diet.  When not spent, they deposit in the form of fat.

Excess consumption of fried food, pizzas, hamburgers and soft beverages is leading to a large incidence of obesity not only in adults but also children in developed countries. Some diseases like hypothyroidism, adrenal tumors also cause increase in the weight of an individual.

Hereditary factors also contribute in a small amount to obesity, what is called as a tendency for obesity. Some persons may not indulge much in food or laziness, but still become little obese, particularly as middle years start.

Whatever the reason, obesity makes one susceptible to hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, cancers like that of breast, colon and rectum.

An obese individual tends to sweat more and also have more problems of fungal infections of the underarms and groin.

Obesity is therefore best prevented than treated. Avoiding excess fats and carbohydrates in diet is a good measure to be initiated if one wants to prevent obesity.

Intake of plenty of fresh fruits and raw vegetables provides energy to body and prevents obesity among other measures.

Contact: rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk