People who are more than 20 pounds overweight may be considered obese. While your ideal weight depends on your height, body structure, and fitness level, most experts agree that you expose yourself to serious health hazards if you are overweight.
What causes obesity?
Two of the leading causes of obesity are sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. The average person needs to consume about 2,000 calories each day, but you don't need to eat a lot to be at risk to become obese. If your family has a history of obesity, you could be at higher risk.
The type of food that you eat can also have an impact on how your body processes that food. Those who have a slow metabolism could be obese even if they don't eat a lot of calories each day, because the body does not burn the calories as quickly as the average person would. Those with thyroid conditions and diabetes may also be at a higher risk for obesity even if they keep their calories in check and eat healthy food.
What can I do to overcome obesity?
There are many things that you can do to keep your weight in check. Increasing your activity level could help you burn more calories and jumpstart your metabolism. It may also be beneficial to consult with your doctor to determine if there is any medication that you can take to manage your weight. He or she may also be able to develop a special diet that will work with your body to keep you healthy.
Obesity is something that cannot be taken lightly. Those who are obese could suffer from heart disease, increase their risk of diabetes, and suffer from increased blood pressure. Therefore, it is critical for anyone who has a family history of obesity or those who may be at risk for weight gain to take steps as soon as possible in an effort to mitigate those health risks.
