This document discusses obesity, including its definition, prevalence, causes, health risks, and physiological basis. Key points include:
- Obesity is defined as excess body fat and affects over 1 billion people worldwide. The US has high obesity rates, especially among minority groups.
- Factors contributing to obesity include genetics, metabolism, behavior, environment and lifestyle. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome can also cause weight gain.
- Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer and other health problems. It is a leading cause of preventable death.
- Physiologically, obesity occurs when energy intake exceeds expenditure. Genetics and lifestyle factors like physical activity influence metabolism and risk