Overweight and Obesity: A Growing Health Issue
Overweight and obesity are pressing global health concerns that have escalated over the past few decades. With rising rates of these conditions worldwide, understanding the causes, associated health risks, and prevention strategies is critical for individuals and communities alike. This article delves into the issues surrounding overweight and obesity, the health problems they cause, and practical solutions for prevention and management.
What Are Overweight and Obesity?
Overweight and obesity are defined by excessive body fat that presents a risk to health. The most common way to measure this is through the Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares a person’s weight to their height:
- Overweight: A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates that a person is carrying more weight than is considered healthy for their height.
- Obesity: A BMI of 30 or higher signifies a high level of excess body fat, posing greater health risks.
While BMI provides a …