Obesity and Overweight
Overweight and obesity have emerged in the last decade as the second preventable health threat to the American population, the first being tobacco use.
An increase in the amount of calories consumed and a decrease in the amount of exercise and physical activity has lead to the rise in obesity trends in the last few decades. Although weight gain appears to be a simple "calories in vs. calories out" equation, scientists are now realizing that the obesity epidemic is much more complex. Genetics (the genes you get from your parents), developmental factors (a large number of fat cells or large fat cells), social determinants (socioeconomic status and education level), physical activity (how sedentary you lifestyle is), emotional influences (depression and stress), and lifestyle all influence your risk for becoming overweight or obese.
Overweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29. Mild to moderate obesity is having a BMI of 30 to 39. Severe Obesity is having a BMI of over 40.