Final answer:
Obesity is a health condition where excess body fat increases risk of health issues and is measured by body mass index (BMI), with a BMI over 30 kg/m² indicating obesity for adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition that is characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat which presents health risks. It is typically quantified by the body mass index (BMI), which is a ratio of an individual's weight to the square of their height. A BMI over 30 kg/m² indicates obesity in adults, and in children, obesity is diagnosed when their BMI is above the 95th percentile for their age.
Factors contributing to obesity include overeating, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, limited sleep, genetic factors, and the impact of certain diseases or medications. Obesity can lead to severe health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, various cancers, liver disease, and more. It is important to note that obesity is often preventable, and losing weight can significantly decrease the risk or severity of these associated health conditions.