Final answer:
Obesity is defined by a BMI of 30 or more, with severe health risks associated with morbid obesity being defined by a BMI of 40 or greater, or 35 with related health problems. Contributing factors include poor diet, inactivity, and genetic predispositions. While BMI is a standard measure, it may not be accurate for all individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive amount of body fat, which can lead to negative health effects. It is typically defined using the body mass index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or more indicates that a person is obese. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI below 18.5 signifies being underweight, and a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight.
Factors contributing to obesity can include overeating, poor diet, lack of physical activity, insufficient sleep, genetics, and certain medical conditions or medications. Severe obesity, or morbid obesity, is identified by a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or more when accompanied by obesity-related health complications. It's important to note that while BMI is a useful tool for population studies, it may not always accurately represent an individual's health status, especially in cases such as athletes with high muscle mass.
Obesity can lead to a multitude of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and certain types of cancer. It is often advised that weight loss can help to reduce or even reverse the risk factors associated with these conditions.