Final answer:
Obesity is a health condition where excess body fat negatively impacts an individual's health, measured by a BMI greater than 30 kg/m². It has various causes and leads to severe health complications but can be prevented and treated by lifestyle changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat to the point where it may have a detrimental effect on health. It is typically measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). A BMI over 30 kg/m² is classified as obesity. This condition can stem from a combination of causes such as overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate sleep, genetic predispositions, certain diseases, and medications.
Obesity can lead to numerous health complications including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various forms of cancer, and elevated blood pressure, among others. It is a growing global issue with a significant impact on both developed and developing nations, carrying a considerable economic cost and posing a challenge to health systems due to the associated noncommunicable diseases.
Prevention and reversal of obesity are possible through dietary changes, physical activity, and other lifestyle adjustments. Research indicates that reducing weight can help lessen or even reverse the health risks associated with obesity.