An obese person is someone with a high amount of extra body fat while an overweight is weighing more than average for one’s height and builds as defined by standard tables. Being overweight does not mean that someone is obese; one can be overweight but healthy. Body mass index calculation or measuring devices such as skinfold caliper are methods used to determine obese or overweight.
Obesity is caused by the body taking in more calories than it can burn off. Factors contributing to obesity include; family eating and lifestyle habits. Obesity is common in children who have obese parents. Hormonal factors like lack of enough thyroid hormone (clinical hypothyroidism) to control normal rates of metabolism cause obesity. Environmental factors such as eating high fat and sugar diets and lack of exercise lead to obesity. Psychological factors and behavioral problems may also influence eating habits to cause too much weight gain. People who are undergoing psychological stress are known to gain more weight. This scenario occurs to those individuals who are angry or bored. In addition, neurological disorders, Cushing’s syndrome, antidepressants, and steroids medications are known to contribute to weight gain resulting in obesity.
Obesity and overweight are associated with problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems, trouble sleeping, depression, and joint problems. Weight gain can be prevented through weight management programs, change of eating habits, planning meals, and making better food selections like eating less fatty foods, fewer fast foods, consuming fewer calories food, and increasing physical activity.