essay on obesity class 10

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Essay on Obesity

List of essays on obesity, essay on obesity – short essay (essay 1 – 150 words), essay on obesity (essay 2 – 250 words), essay on obesity – written in english (essay 3 – 300 words), essay on obesity – for school students (class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 standard) (essay 4 – 400 words), essay on obesity – for college students (essay 5 – 500 words), essay on obesity – with causes and treatment (essay 6 – 600 words), essay on obesity – for science students (essay 7 – 750 words), essay on obesity – long essay for medical students (essay 8 – 1000 words).

Obesity is a chronic health condition in which the body fat reaches abnormal level. Obesity occurs when we consume much more amount of food than our body really needs on a daily basis. In other words, when the intake of calories is greater than the calories we burn out, it gives rise to obesity.

Audience: The below given essays are exclusively written for school students (Class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Standard), college, science and medical students.

Introduction:

Obesity means being excessively fat. A person would be said to be obese if his or her body mass index is beyond 30. Such a person has a body fat rate that is disproportionate to his body mass.

Obesity and the Body Mass Index:

The body mass index is calculated considering the weight and height of a person. Thus, it is a scientific way of determining the appropriate weight of any person. When the body mass index of a person indicates that he or she is obese, it exposes the person to make health risk.

Stopping Obesity:

There are two major ways to get the body mass index of a person to a moderate rate. The first is to maintain a strict diet. The second is to engage in regular physical exercise. These two approaches are aimed at reducing the amount of fat in the body.

Conclusion:

Obesity can lead to sudden death, heart attack, diabetes and may unwanted illnesses. Stop it by making healthy choices.

Obesity has become a big concern for the youth of today’s generation. Obesity is defined as a medical condition in which an individual gains excessive body fat. When the Body Mass Index (BMI) of a person is over 30, he/ she is termed as obese.

Obesity can be a genetic problem or a disorder that is caused due to unhealthy lifestyle habits of a person. Physical inactivity and the environment in which an individual lives, are also the factors that leads to obesity. It is also seen that when some individuals are in stress or depression, they start cultivating unhealthy eating habits which eventually leads to obesity. Medications like steroids is yet another reason for obesity.

Obesity has several serious health issues associated with it. Some of the impacts of obesity are diabetes, increase of cholesterol level, high blood pressure, etc. Social impacts of obesity includes loss of confidence in an individual, lowering of self-esteem, etc.

The risks of obesity needs to be prevented. This can be done by adopting healthy eating habits, doing some physical exercise regularly, avoiding stress, etc. Individuals should work on weight reduction in order to avoid obesity.

Obesity is indeed a health concern and needs to be prioritized. The management of obesity revolves around healthy eating habits and physical activity. Obesity, if not controlled in its initial stage can cause many severe health issues. So it is wiser to exercise daily and maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than being the victim of obesity.

Obesity can be defined as the clinical condition where accumulation of excessive fat takes place in the adipose tissue leading to worsening of health condition. Usually, the fat is deposited around the trunk and also the waist of the body or even around the periphery.

Obesity is actually a disease that has been spreading far and wide. It is preventable and certain measures are to be taken to curb it to a greater extend. Both in the developing and developed countries, obesity has been growing far and wide affecting the young and the old equally.

The alarming increase in obesity has resulted in stimulated death rate and health issues among the people. There are several methods adopted to lose weight and they include different diet types, physical activity and certain changes in the current lifestyle. Many of the companies are into minting money with the concept of inviting people to fight obesity.

In patients associated with increased risk factor related to obesity, there are certain drug therapies and other procedures adopted to lose weight. There are certain cost effective ways introduced by several companies to enable clinic-based weight loss programs.

Obesity can lead to premature death and even cause Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Cardiovascular diseases have also become the part and parcel of obese people. It includes stroke, hypertension, gall bladder disease, coronary heart disease and even cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer and colon cancer. Other less severe arising due to obesity includes osteoarthritis, gastro-esophageal reflux disease and even infertility.

Hence, serious measures are to be taken to fight against this dreadful phenomenon that is spreading its wings far and wide. Giving proper education on benefits of staying fit and mindful eating is as important as curbing this issue. Utmost importance must be given to healthy eating habits right from the small age so that they follow the same until the end of their life.

Obesity is majorly a lifestyle disease attributed to the extra accumulation of fat in the body leading to negative health effects on a person. Ironically, although prevalent at a large scale in many countries, including India, it is one of the most neglect health problems. It is more often ignored even if told by the doctor that the person is obese. Only when people start acquiring other health issues such as heart disease, blood pressure or diabetes, they start taking the problem of obesity seriously.

Obesity Statistics in India:

As per a report, India happens to figure as the third country in the world with the most obese people. This should be a troubling fact for India. However, we are yet to see concrete measures being adopted by the people to remain fit.

Causes of Obesity:

Sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, junk food, medications and some diseases such as hypothyroidism are considered as the factors which lead to obesity. Even children seem to be glued to televisions, laptops and video games which have taken away the urge for physical activities from them. Adding to this, the consumption of junk food has further aggravated the growing problem of obesity in children.

In the case of adults, most of the professions of today make use of computers which again makes people sit for long hours in one place. Also, the hectic lifestyle of today makes it difficult for people to spare time for physical activities and people usually remain stressed most of the times. All this has contributed significantly to the rise of obesity in India.

Obesity and BMI:

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measure which allows a person to calculate how to fit he or she is. In other words, the BMI tells you if you are obese or not. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of a person in kg with the square of his / her height in metres. The number thus obtained is called the BMI. A BMI of less than 25 is considered optimal. However, if a person has a BMI over 30 he/she is termed as obese.

What is a matter of concern is that with growing urbanisation there has been a rapid increase of obese people in India? It is of utmost importance to consider this health issue a serious threat to the future of our country as a healthy body is important for a healthy soul. We should all be mindful of what we eat and what effect it has on our body. It is our utmost duty to educate not just ourselves but others as well about this serious health hazard.

Obesity can be defined as a condition (medical) that is the accumulation of body fat to an extent that the excess fat begins to have a lot of negative effects on the health of the individual. Obesity is determined by examining the body mass index (BMI) of the person. The BMI is gotten by dividing the weight of the person in kilogram by the height of the person squared.

When the BMI of a person is more than 30, the person is classified as being obese, when the BMI falls between 25 and 30, the person is said to be overweight. In a few countries in East Asia, lower values for the BMI are used. Obesity has been proven to influence the likelihood and risk of many conditions and disease, most especially diabetes of type 2, cardiovascular diseases, sleeplessness that is obstructive, depression, osteoarthritis and some cancer types.

In most cases, obesity is caused through a combination of genetic susceptibility, a lack of or inadequate physical activity, excessive intake of food. Some cases of obesity are primarily caused by mental disorder, medications, endocrine disorders or genes. There is no medical data to support the fact that people suffering from obesity eat very little but gain a lot of weight because of slower metabolism. It has been discovered that an obese person usually expends much more energy than other people as a result of the required energy that is needed to maintain a body mass that is increased.

It is very possible to prevent obesity with a combination of personal choices and social changes. The major treatments are exercising and a change in diet. We can improve the quality of our diet by reducing our consumption of foods that are energy-dense like those that are high in sugars or fat and by trying to increase our dietary fibre intake.

We can also accompany the appropriate diet with the use of medications to help in reducing appetite and decreasing the absorption of fat. If medication, exercise and diet are not yielding any positive results, surgery or gastric balloon can also be carried out to decrease the volume of the stomach and also reduce the intestines’ length which leads to the feel of the person get full early or a reduction in the ability to get and absorb different nutrients from a food.

Obesity is the leading cause of ill-health and death all over the world that is preventable. The rate of obesity in children and adults has drastically increased. In 2015, a whopping 12 percent of adults which is about 600 million and about 100 million children all around the world were found to be obese.

It has also been discovered that women are more obese than men. A lot of government and private institutions and bodies have stated that obesity is top of the list of the most difficult and serious problems of public health that we have in the world today. In the world we live today, there is a lot of stigmatisation of obese people.

We all know how troubling the problem of obesity truly is. It is mainly a form of a medical condition wherein the body tends to accumulate excessive fat which in turn has negative repercussions on the health of an individual.

Given the current lifestyle and dietary style, it has become more common than ever. More and more people are being diagnosed with obesity. Such is its prevalence that it has been termed as an epidemic in the USA. Those who suffer from obesity are at a much higher risk of diabetes, heart diseases and even cancer.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of obesity, it is important to learn what the key causes of obesity are. In a layman term, if your calorie consumption exceeds what you burn because of daily activities and exercises, it is likely to lead to obesity. It is caused over a prolonged period of time when your calorie intake keeps exceeding the calories burned.

Here are some of the key causes which are known to be the driving factors for obesity.

If your diet tends to be rich in fat and contains massive calorie intake, you are all set to suffer from obesity.

Sedentary Lifestyle:

With most people sticking to their desk jobs and living a sedentary lifestyle, the body tends to get obese easily.

Of course, the genetic framework has a lot to do with obesity. If your parents are obese, the chance of you being obese is quite high.

The weight which women gain during their pregnancy can be very hard to shed and this is often one of the top causes of obesity.

Sleep Cycle:

If you are not getting an adequate amount of sleep, it can have an impact on the hormones which might trigger hunger signals. Overall, these linked events tend to make you obese.

Hormonal Disorder:

There are several hormonal changes which are known to be direct causes of obesity. The imbalance of the thyroid stimulating hormone, for instance, is one of the key factors when it comes to obesity.

Now that we know the key causes, let us look at the possible ways by which you can handle it.

Treatment for Obesity:

As strange as it may sound, the treatment for obesity is really simple. All you need to do is follow the right diet and back it with an adequate amount of exercise. If you can succeed in doing so, it will give you the perfect head-start into your journey of getting in shape and bidding goodbye to obesity.

There are a lot of different kinds and styles of diet plans for obesity which are available. You can choose the one which you deem fit. We recommend not opting for crash dieting as it is known to have several repercussions and can make your body terribly weak.

The key here is to stick to a balanced diet which can help you retain the essential nutrients, minerals, and, vitamins and shed the unwanted fat and carbs.

Just like the diet, there are several workout plans for obesity which are available. It is upon you to find out which of the workout plan seems to be apt for you. Choose cardio exercises and dance routines like Zumba to shed the unwanted body weight. Yoga is yet another method to get rid of obesity.

So, follow a blend of these and you will be able to deal with the trouble of obesity in no time. We believe that following these tips will help you get rid of obesity and stay in shape.

Obesity and overweight is a top health concern in the world due to the impact it has on the lives of individuals. Obesity is defined as a condition in which an individual has excessive body fat and is measured using the body mass index (BMI) such that, when an individual’s BMI is above 30, he or she is termed obese. The BMI is calculated using body weight and height and it is different for all individuals.

Obesity has been determined as a risk factor for many diseases. It results from dietary habits, genetics, and lifestyle habits including physical inactivity. Obesity can be prevented so that individuals do not end up having serious complications and health problems. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases and relate to obesity in terms of causes and complications.

Factors Influencing Obesity:

Obesity is not only as a result of lifestyle habits as most people put it. There are other important factors that influence obesity. Genetics is one of those factors. A person could be born with genes that predispose them to obesity and they will also have difficulty in losing weight because it is an inborn factor.

The environment also influences obesity because the diet is similar in certain environs. In certain environments, like school, the food available is fast foods and the chances of getting healthy foods is very low, leading to obesity. Also, physical inactivity is an environmental factor for obesity because some places have no fields or tracks where people can jog or maybe the place is very unsafe and people rarely go out to exercise.

Mental health affects the eating habits of individuals. There is a habit of stress eating when a person is depressed and it could result in overweight or obesity if the person remains unhealthy for long period of time.

The overall health of individuals also matter. If a person is unwell and is prescribed with steroids, they may end up being obese. Steroidal medications enable weight gain as a side effect.

Complications of Obesity:

Obesity is a health concern because its complications are severe. Significant social and health problems are experienced by obese people. Socially, they will be bullied and their self-esteem will be low as they will perceive themselves as unworthy.

Chronic illnesses like diabetes results from obesity. Diabetes type 2 has been directly linked to obesity. This condition involves the increased blood sugars in the body and body cells are not responding to insulin as they should. The insulin in the body could also be inadequate due to decreased production. High blood sugar concentrations result in symptoms like frequent hunger, thirst and urination. The symptoms of complicated stages of diabetes type 2 include loss of vision, renal failure and heart failure and eventually death. The importance of having a normal BMI is the ability of the body to control blood sugars.

Another complication is the heightened blood pressures. Obesity has been defined as excessive body fat. The body fat accumulates in blood vessels making them narrow. Narrow blood vessels cause the blood pressures to rise. Increased blood pressure causes the heart to start failing in its physiological functions. Heart failure is the end result in this condition of increased blood pressures.

There is a significant increase in cholesterol in blood of people who are obese. High blood cholesterol levels causes the deposition of fats in various parts of the body and organs. Deposition of fats in the heart and blood vessels result in heart diseases. There are other conditions that result from hypercholesterolemia.

Other chronic illnesses like cancer can also arise from obesity because inflammation of body cells and tissues occurs in order to store fats in obese people. This could result in abnormal growths and alteration of cell morphology. The abnormal growths could be cancerous.

Management of Obesity:

For the people at risk of developing obesity, prevention methods can be implemented. Prevention included a healthy diet and physical activity. The diet and physical activity patterns should be regular and realizable to avoid strains that could result in complications.

Some risk factors for obesity are non-modifiable for example genetics. When a person in genetically predisposed, the lifestyle modifications may be have help.

For the individuals who are already obese, they can work on weight reduction through healthy diets and physical exercises.

In conclusion, obesity is indeed a major health concern because the health complications are very serious. Factors influencing obesity are both modifiable and non-modifiable. The management of obesity revolves around diet and physical activity and so it is important to remain fit.

In olden days, obesity used to affect only adults. However, in the present time, obesity has become a worldwide problem that hits the kids as well. Let’s find out the most prevalent causes of obesity.

Factors Causing Obesity:

Obesity can be due to genetic factors. If a person’s family has a history of obesity, chances are high that he/ she would also be affected by obesity, sooner or later in life.

The second reason is having a poor lifestyle. Now, there are a variety of factors that fall under the category of poor lifestyle. An excessive diet, i.e., eating more than you need is a definite way to attain the stage of obesity. Needless to say, the extra calories are changed into fat and cause obesity.

Junk foods, fried foods, refined foods with high fats and sugar are also responsible for causing obesity in both adults and kids. Lack of physical activity prevents the burning of extra calories, again, leading us all to the path of obesity.

But sometimes, there may also be some indirect causes of obesity. The secondary reasons could be related to our mental and psychological health. Depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional troubles are well-known factors of obesity.

Physical ailments such as hypothyroidism, ovarian cysts, and diabetes often complicate the physical condition and play a massive role in abnormal weight gain.

Moreover, certain medications, such as steroids, antidepressants, and contraceptive pills, have been seen interfering with the metabolic activities of the body. As a result, the long-term use of such drugs can cause obesity. Adding to that, regular consumption of alcohol and smoking are also connected to the condition of obesity.

Harmful Effects of Obesity:

On the surface, obesity may look like a single problem. But, in reality, it is the mother of several major health issues. Obesity simply means excessive fat depositing into our body including the arteries. The drastic consequence of such high cholesterol levels shows up in the form of heart attacks and other life-threatening cardiac troubles.

The fat deposition also hampers the elasticity of the arteries. That means obesity can cause havoc in our body by altering the blood pressure to an abnormal range. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Obesity is known to create an endless list of problems.

In extreme cases, this disorder gives birth to acute diseases like diabetes and cancer. The weight gain due to obesity puts a lot of pressure on the bones of the body, especially of the legs. This, in turn, makes our bones weak and disturbs their smooth movement. A person suffering from obesity also has higher chances of developing infertility issues and sleep troubles.

Many obese people are seen to be struggling with breathing problems too. In the chronic form, the condition can grow into asthma. The psychological effects of obesity are another serious topic. You can say that obesity and depression form a loop. The more a person is obese, the worse is his/ her depression stage.

How to Control and Treat Obesity:

The simplest and most effective way, to begin with, is changing our diet. There are two factors to consider in the diet plan. First is what and what not to eat. Second is how much to eat.

If you really want to get rid of obesity, include more and more green vegetables in your diet. Spinach, beans, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, etc., have enough vitamins and minerals and quite low calories. Other healthier options are mushrooms, pumpkin, beetroots, and sweet potatoes, etc.

Opt for fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries. Oranges, grapes, pomegranate, pineapple, cherries, strawberries, lime, and cranberries are good for the body. They have low sugar content and are also helpful in strengthening our immune system. Eating the whole fruits is a more preferable way in comparison to gulping the fruit juices. Fruits, when eaten whole, have more fibers and less sugar.

Consuming a big bowl of salad is also great for dealing with the obesity problem. A salad that includes fibrous foods such as carrots, radish, lettuce, tomatoes, works better at satiating the hunger pangs without the risk of weight gain.

A high protein diet of eggs, fish, lean meats, etc., is an excellent choice to get rid of obesity. Take enough of omega fatty acids. Remember to drink plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated is a smart way to avoid overeating. Water also helps in removing the toxins and excess fat from the body.

As much as possible, avoid fats, sugars, refined flours, and oily foods to keep the weight in control. Control your portion size. Replace the three heavy meals with small and frequent meals during the day. Snacking on sugarless smoothies, dry fruits, etc., is much recommended.

Regular exercise plays an indispensable role in tackling the obesity problem. Whenever possible, walk to the market, take stairs instead of a lift. Physical activity can be in any other form. It could be a favorite hobby like swimming, cycling, lawn tennis, or light jogging.

Meditation and yoga are quite powerful practices to drive away the stress, depression and thus, obesity. But in more serious cases, meeting a physician is the most appropriate strategy. Sometimes, the right medicines and surgical procedures are necessary to control the health condition.

Obesity is spreading like an epidemic, haunting both the adults and the kids. Although genetic factors and other physical ailments play a role, the problem is mostly caused by a reckless lifestyle.

By changing our way of living, we can surely take control of our health. In other words, it would be possible to eliminate the condition of obesity from our lives completely by leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Essay on Obesity

Students are often asked to write an essay on Obesity in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Obesity

Understanding obesity.

Obesity is a health condition where a person has excess body fat. It’s often measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI).

Causes of Obesity

Obesity can be caused by eating too much and not exercising enough. Also, genetics and lifestyle can play a role.

Effects of Obesity

Obesity can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Preventing Obesity

Eating a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help prevent obesity. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Obesity
• Speech on Obesity

250 Words Essay on Obesity

Introduction.

Obesity represents a significant public health issue worldwide, posing detrimental effects to physical health and psychological well-being. It is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat, often resulting from a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

The primary cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and expended. This disparity is often fueled by unhealthy diets rich in fats and sugars, and a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics also play a critical role, affecting how the body metabolizes food and stores fat.

Implications on Health

Obesity significantly increases the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, it can lead to mental health issues like depression and lower quality of life.

Prevention and Management

Preventing obesity requires a multi-faceted approach. It entails adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and creating supportive environments that promote healthy choices. Management of obesity often involves similar strategies, though in some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

In conclusion, obesity is a pressing global health concern that requires immediate attention. It is crucial to promote healthier lifestyles and create supportive environments to combat this epidemic. The battle against obesity is not only about individual responsibility but also about societal commitment to fostering healthful living.

500 Words Essay on Obesity

Obesity, a complex and multifaceted health issue, has become a global epidemic. Characterized by excessive body fat, it poses a significant risk to an individual’s health, leading to numerous chronic illnesses. This essay will delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this growing health crisis.

The primary cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and expended. This is often due to a combination of excessive dietary intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility. However, it is important to recognize the role of socio-economic factors. The availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient food, urbanization, and sedentary lifestyles have all contributed to the rise in obesity rates.

Health Consequences

Obesity significantly increases the risk of various health problems. It is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers. Moreover, obesity can lead to psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Socioeconomic Impact

The socioeconomic impact of obesity is profound. It places a heavy burden on healthcare systems due to the high cost of treating obesity-related diseases. Furthermore, obesity can lead to reduced productivity and increased absenteeism in the workforce, affecting economic growth.

Prevention and Control

Preventing and controlling obesity requires a multifaceted approach. At the individual level, this includes adopting a healthy diet and regular physical activity. However, individual behavior is shaped by the broader socio-environmental context. Therefore, public health interventions are crucial. These may include policies to regulate food advertising, promote active transportation, and ensure access to affordable, nutritious food.

In conclusion, obesity is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. It is driven by a combination of individual, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Therefore, addressing this problem requires concerted efforts at multiple levels. By implementing comprehensive strategies that promote healthy lifestyles and create supportive environments, we can combat the obesity epidemic and improve public health.

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Essay on Obesity for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Obesity is a condition wherein a lot of excess fat accumulates in the body. It generally occurs when a person consumes excessive food and does not indulge in physical activity on a regular basis. Obesity increases the chances of incurring diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Obesity is usually caused due to regular intake of excessive food and lack of proper physical exercise. It is also suspected to be a genetic problem. This condition increases the chances of developing various health problems requiring urgent attention. Here are some essays of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams.

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Long and Short Essay on Obesity in English

Obesity essay 1 (200 words).

Obesity generally occurs when a person consumes more than the required amount of food on a regular basis and does not indulge in physical activities to burn the excess fat. The problem can also be genetic and may even be caused as a side effect of certain medicines or psychological factors such as sadness, depression, nervousness, etc.

The problem can be prevented by following below-mentioned tips:

• Follow a healthy diet that is full of various micronutrients. However, keep a tab on how much you eat.
• Instead of having three large meals a day it is suggested to have four-five small meals.
• Squeeze in at least half an hour each day to exercise.
• Keep a check on your body weight as well as your waist line.

Obesity is not just a problem in its own; it can lead to various serious health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, brain stroke, infertility, sleep apnea and diabetes. If you do not prevent this problem from occurring, you will have to undergo extensive treatment to cure it. While doctors prescribe medicines, make changes in the patient’s diet and devise an exercise regime to treat this problem, in certain cases the patients may even have to undergo a surgery.

Obesity Essay 2 (300 words)

Obesity is mostly the outcome of a combination of two things – regular intake of excessive food and absence of physical activity. It may usually, not necessarily, be a genetic problem and might even occur as a side effect of certain medicines. Here is a detailed look at the causes of this condition and the ways to prevent and treat it.

Causes of Obesity

• Excessive Food Intake and Lack of Exercise

One of the leading causes of obesity is the regular consumption of more than the required quantity of food combined with lack of proper physical activity.

• Psychological Factors

It has been observed that some people tend to eat excessively when they are going through a tough time in life. This eventually leads to weight gain and obesity.

Obesity may even be inherited from the parents in certain cases.

Regular intake of certain medicines such as oral contraceptives and antidepressants may also lead to weight gain and eventually result in obesity.

Methods to Prevent Obesity

Here is how to prevent this health condition from occurring:

• Eat Right and Exercise

It is essential to have a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and cereals. Avoid oily and sugary food items.

Even as you choose to eat healthy, keep a tab on how much you eat and also the frequency of your meals.

Make it a habit to indulge in 30-45 minutes of exercise each day.

• Keep a Tab on your Weight

Keep a check on your body weight and waist line.

While it is best to prevent obesity by following the aforementioned tips, however if you fall prey to this condition it is best to consult a doctor immediately to get it cured as it is not only a problem in its own but can also lead to many other health issues such as heart problem, gallstones, sleep apnea and infertility, to name a few.

Obesity Essay 3 (400 words)

Obesity usually occurs when a person makes it a habit to consume more than the required quantity of food and does not indulge in enough physical activity. This condition may even be inherited and might occur due to certain other reasons too. Here is a detailed look at the various reasons that cause obesity, the impact it has on a person’s health and also the ways to avoid it.

• Excessive Eating and Lack of Physical Activity

As stated earlier, the main cause of developing this condition is regular intake of more than the required amount of food coupled with lack of physical activity.

• Psychological Issues

It has been observed that some people tend to eat excessively when they are going through a tough time.

Obesity may even run in the family. If either of the parents has this problem then it is likely for the child to develop it.

Certain oral contraceptives, antidepressants and other medicines might also result in weight gain and having these over a period of time may lead to obesity.

Effects of Obesity

Obesity can have several negative repercussions on a person’s body. It may lead to the following:

• High Cholesterol Level
• Sleep Apnea
• Infertility
• High Blood Pressure

Ways to Prevent Obesity

As grave as this problem is, it can be prevented by making some simple yet healthy lifestyle choices. Here is a look at the same:

• Healthy Eating Choices

Keep a check on your calorie intake and have a fibre and nutrient-rich diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and cereals.

• Frequency and Size of Meal

Merely choosing healthy food options is not enough, you must also keep a watch on how much and how frequently you eat. It is best to have five to six small meals at regular intervals during the day rather than gulping three large meals.

Indulge in moderately intense exercise for 150-300 hours per week. This can include jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing among others.

• Watch your Weight

Keep a tab on your body weight as well as your waist size in order to ensure that things are under control.

Obesity, a growing problem around the world, can be prevented by following a healthy diet plan and setting a regular exercise regime. However, in case the problem occurs due to any reason then it is suggested to seek medical help to get it treated at the earliest.

Obesity Essay 4 (500 words)

Obesity is said to be an outcome of regular consumption of excessive food and absence of enough physical activity to burn the extra fat accumulated in the body. Read on to have a detailed look at the causes of obesity, the ways in which it impacts our body and also the methods to prevent and treat this problem.

Why does Obesity Occur?

As mentioned above, obesity occurs because of excessive consumption of food and lack of enough physical activity. Here is a look at the other reasons that lead to obesity:

A person is likely to incur this problem in case both or one of his/ her parents suffers from this problem.

Emotions such as boredom, nervousness, anger and stress impact eating habits in certain people. These people increase their food intake as a response to these negative emotions.

• Medications

Some antidepressants, anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives may lead to weight gain and it may ultimately result in obesity.

• Health Problems

Health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism may also lead to obesity.

How to Prevent Obesity?

• Healthy eating habits

Following healthy eating habits helps in curbing this issue to a large extent.

• Portion size

Make sure you do not have heavy meals. It is suggested to have 4-5 small meals during the day rather than having 3 large meals.

• Physical activity

It is essential to be active through the day. Indulge in physical activities. It is suggested to squeeze in at least half an hour per day to indulge in moderately intense physical activities such as swimming, jogging, dancing and cycling among others.

• Keep a tab on your weight

Keep a check on your body weight and waist size. Make necessary changes in your diet and increase your exercise time in case you see an upward trend.

What are the Repercussions of Obesity?

An obese person stands a high risk of suffering from the below mentioned health problems:

• Cardiovascular Disease

How to Treat Obesity?

Here is how to treat the problem:

• Modification of Diet

An immediate change in the diet plan is essential to overcome this problem. Make sure you consult a doctor to get the dietary changes made.

Indulging in physical exercise is the next big step towards controlling this problem. It helps in shedding the extra calories.

• Over-the-Counter Diet Pills

These pills are effective in reducing weight. However, they may have some negative side effects.

• Prescribed Medicines

It is best to consult a doctor and get medicines prescribed to overcome this problem.

This option is particularly suggested to those whose body mass index is 40 or higher or in case the body mass index is greater than 30 and in addition to it, the person has at least one medical condition directly linked to obesity.

Though a serious health problem, obesity can be cured by following a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to follow a healthy diet plan and exercise regime to prevent this problem from developing.

Obesity Essay 5 (600 words)

Obesity is a health condition wherein a person puts on excessive weight due to regular consumption of more than the required amount of food and lack of physical activity. This condition may even be genetic or might develop because of psychological factors or as a side effect of certain medicines. Here is a detailed look at the causes and effects of obesity and also the ways to curb this problem.

Here are the various causes of obesity:

Overeating : Regular consumption of more than the required amount of food, particularly that rich in fats, leads to weight gain. The frequency of food intake also impacts the metabolism.

Genetic : A person is likely to develop this condition if one or both parents suffer from obesity. This is because genetics impact the hormones involved in fat regulation.

Lack of Physical Exercise : People who do not indulge in enough exercise burn fewer calories as compared to those who are active. Consuming excessive food without indulging in physical activity often leads to obesity.

Medicines: There are certain medications such as antidepressants, valproate, anticonvulsants, some diabetes medicines and oral contraceptives that may result in weight gain and might ultimately cause obesity.

Health Conditions : Health conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance may also cause obesity.

Psychological Factors: Emotions like boredom, stress and sadness influence some people’s eating habits. They increase their food intake as a response to these emotions.

Impacts of Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing various health problems including:

• Heart Disease

Obesity can even have a negative impact on a person’s social and economic life. People suffering from obesity are often discriminated and are prone to depression.

Here are the ways in which obesity can be prevented:

• Following healthy eating habits
• Ensuring proper food intake
• Indulging in physical activities
• Keeping a tab on your weight and waist size
• Preventing screen time

Ways to Cure Obesity

It is better to prevent the problem from occurring rather than looking for ways to treat the same later. However, those who develop it owing to any reason must get it treated at the earliest so as to prevent the risk of developing aforementioned health problems. Here are the ways in which this problem is treated:

Dietary Changes : Making changes in your diet is the first step towards controlling obesity. If you have already developed this condition, it is suggested to consult a physician to help you make the required dietary changes.

Over-the-Counter Diet Pills: Over the counter diet pills include ingredients that help in reducing weight and maintaining it over time. However, these pills may have side effects such as heart palpitation.

Exercise: It is essential to devote 45-60 minutes to exercise each day. Indulge in moderately intense exercises during this time to burn the excess body fat.

Prescribed Pills: Rather than going for over the counter diet pills, it is suggested to have pills as suggested by your doctor in order to cure the problem.

Surgery : Weight loss surgery is suggested for those whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher or in case the BMI is 30-35 or greater and in addition to it, the person has a minimum of one medical condition directly linked to obesity.

Obesity is a serious health problem that gives way to many other major health issues including heart disease, sleep apnea, asthma, gallstones and infertility, to name a few. Caused mainly due to excessive fat accumulation in the body, it can be prevented by following healthy eating habits, regular exercise and keeping a tab on your body weight.

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Obesity Essay

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Obesity Essay: A Complete Guide and Topics

By: Nova A.

11 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Aug 31, 2021

Are you assigned to write an essay about obesity? The first step is to define obesity.

The obesity epidemic is a major issue facing our country right now. It's complicated- it could be genetic or due to your environment, but either way, there are ways that you can fix it!

Learn all about what causes weight gain and get tips on how you can get healthy again.

On this Page

What is Obesity

What is obesity? Obesity and BMI (body mass index) are both tools of measurement that are used by doctors to assess body fat according to the height, age, and gender of a person. If the BMI is between 25 to 29.9, that means the person has excess weight and body fat.

If the BMI exceeds 30, that means the person is obese. Obesity is a condition that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions like metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and even some types of cancer.

Obesity Definition

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization as an accumulation of abnormal and excess body fat that comes with several risk factors. It is measured by the body mass index BMI, body weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of a person’s height (in meters).

Obesity in America

Obesity is on the verge of becoming an epidemic as 1 in every 3 Americans can be categorized as overweight and obese. Currently, America is an obese country, and it continues to get worse.

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Causes of obesity

Do you see any obese or overweight people around you?

You likely do.

This is because fast-food chains are becoming more and more common, people are less active, and fruits and vegetables are more expensive than processed foods, thus making them less available to the majority of society. These are the primary causes of obesity.

Obesity is a disease that affects all age groups, including children and elderly people.

Now that you are familiar with the topic of obesity, writing an essay won’t be that difficult for you.

How to Write an Obesity Essay

The format of an obesity essay is similar to writing any other essay. If you need help regarding how to write an obesity essay, it is the same as writing any other essay.

Obesity Essay Introduction

The trick is to start your essay with an interesting and catchy sentence. This will help attract the reader's attention and motivate them to read further. You don’t want to lose the reader’s interest in the beginning and leave a bad impression, especially if the reader is your teacher.

A hook sentence is usually used to open the introductory paragraph of an essay in order to make it interesting. When writing an essay on obesity, the hook sentence can be in the form of an interesting fact or statistic.

Head on to this detailed article on hook examples to get a better idea.

Once you have hooked the reader, the next step is to provide them with relevant background information about the topic. Don’t give away too much at this stage or bombard them with excess information that the reader ends up getting bored with. Only share information that is necessary for the reader to understand your topic.

Next, write a strong thesis statement at the end of your essay, be sure that your thesis identifies the purpose of your essay in a clear and concise manner. Also, keep in mind that the thesis statement should be easy to justify as the body of your essay will revolve around it.

Body Paragraphs

The details related to your topic are to be included in the body paragraphs of your essay. You can use statistics, facts, and figures related to obesity to reinforce your thesis throughout your essay.

If you are writing a cause-and-effect obesity essay, you can mention different causes of obesity and how it can affect a person’s overall health. The number of body paragraphs can increase depending on the parameters of the assignment as set forth by your instructor.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that is the crux of its content. It is necessary to write an engaging topic sentence as it helps grab the reader’s interest. Check out this detailed blog on writing a topic sentence to further understand it.

End your essay with a conclusion by restating your research and tying it to your thesis statement. You can also propose possible solutions to control obesity in your conclusion. Make sure that your conclusion is short yet powerful.

Obesity Essay Examples

Essay about Obesity (PDF)

Childhood Obesity Essay (PDF)

Obesity in America Essay (PDF)

Essay about Obesity Cause and Effects (PDF)

Satire Essay on Obesity (PDF) 

Obesity Argumentative Essay (PDF)

Obesity Essay Topics

Choosing a topic might seem an overwhelming task as you may have many ideas for your assignment. Brainstorm different ideas and narrow them down to one, quality topic.

If you need some examples to help you with your essay topic related to obesity, dive into this article and choose from the list of obesity essay topics.

Childhood Obesity

As mentioned earlier, obesity can affect any age group, including children. Obesity can cause several future health problems as children age.

Here are a few topics you can choose from and discuss for your childhood obesity essay:

• What are the causes of increasing obesity in children?
• Obese parents may be at risk for having children with obesity.
• What is the ratio of obesity between adults and children?
• What are the possible treatments for obese children?
• Are there any social programs that can help children with combating obesity?
• Has technology boosted the rate of obesity in children?
• Are children spending more time on gadgets instead of playing outside?
• Schools should encourage regular exercises and sports for children.
• How can sports and other physical activities protect children from becoming obese?
• Can childhood abuse be a cause of obesity among children?
• What is the relationship between neglect in childhood and obesity in adulthood?
• Does obesity have any effect on the psychological condition and well-being of a child?
• Are electronic medical records effective in diagnosing obesity among children?
• Obesity can affect the academic performance of your child.
• Do you believe that children who are raised by a single parent can be vulnerable to obesity?
• You can promote interesting exercises to encourage children.
• What is the main cause of obesity, and why is it increasing with every passing day?
• Schools and colleges should work harder to develop methodologies to decrease childhood obesity.
• The government should not allow schools and colleges to include sweet or fatty snacks as a part of their lunch.
• If a mother is obese, can it affect the health of the child?
• Children who gain weight frequently can develop chronic diseases.

Obesity Argumentative Essay Topics

Do you want to write an argumentative essay on the topic of obesity?

The following list can help you with that!

Here are some examples you can choose from for your argumentative essay about obesity:

• Can vegetables and fruits decrease the chances of obesity?
• Should you go for surgery to overcome obesity?
• Are there any harmful side effects?
• Can obesity be related to the mental condition of an individual?
• Are parents responsible for controlling obesity in childhood?
• What are the most effective measures to prevent the increase in the obesity rate?
• Why is the obesity rate increasing in the United States?
• Can the lifestyle of a person be a cause of obesity?
• Does the economic situation of a country affect the obesity rate?
• How is obesity considered an international health issue?
• Can technology and gadgets affect obesity rates?
• What can be the possible reasons for obesity in a school?
• How can we address the issue of obesity?
• Is obesity a chronic disease?
• Is obesity a major cause of heart attacks?
• Are the junk food chains causing an increase in obesity?
• Do nutritional programs help in reducing the obesity rate?
• How can the right type of diet help with obesity?
• Why should we encourage sports activities in schools and colleges?
• Can obesity affect a person’s behavior?

Health Related Topics for Research Paper

If you are writing a research paper, you can explain the cause and effect of obesity.

Here are a few topics that link to the cause and effects of obesity.Review the literature of previous articles related to obesity. Describe the ideas presented in the previous papers.

• Can family history cause obesity in future generations?
• Can we predict obesity through genetic testing?
• What is the cause of the increasing obesity rate?
• Do you think the increase in fast-food restaurants is a cause of the rising obesity rate?
• Is the ratio of obese women greater than obese men?
• Why are women more prone to be obese as compared to men?
• Stress can be a cause of obesity. Mention the reasons how mental health can be related to physical health.
• Is urban life a cause of the increasing obesity rate?
• People from cities are prone to be obese as compared to people from the countryside.
• How obesity affects the life expectancy of people? What are possible solutions to decrease the obesity rate?
• Do family eating habits affect or trigger obesity?
• How do eating habits affect the health of an individual?
• How can obesity affect the future of a child?
• Obese children are more prone to get bullied in high school and college.
• Why should schools encourage more sports and exercise for children?

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Topics for Essay on Obesity as a Problem

Do you think a rise in obesity rate can affect the economy of a country?

Here are some topics for your assistance regarding your economics related obesity essay.

• Does socioeconomic status affect the possibility of obesity in an individual?
• Analyze the film and write a review on “Fed Up” – an obesity epidemic.
• Share your reviews on the movie “The Weight of The Nation.”
• Should we increase the prices of fast food and decrease the prices of fruits and vegetables to decrease obesity?
• Do you think healthy food prices can be a cause of obesity?
• Describe what measures other countries have taken in order to control obesity?
• The government should play an important role in controlling obesity. What precautions should they take?
• Do you think obesity can be one of the reasons children get bullied?
• Do obese people experience any sort of discrimination or inappropriate behavior due to their weight?
• Are there any legal protections for people who suffer from discrimination due to their weight?
• Which communities have a higher percentage of obesity in the United States?
• Discuss the side effects of the fast-food industry and their advertisements on children.
• Describe how the increasing obesity rate has affected the economic condition of the United States.
• What is the current percentage of obesity all over the world? Is the obesity rate increasing with every passing day?
• Why is the obesity rate higher in the United States as compared to other countries?
• Do Asians have a greater percentage of obese people as compared to Europe?
• Does the cultural difference affect the eating habits of an individual?
• Obesity and body shaming.
• Why is a skinny body considered to be ideal? Is it an effective way to reduce the obesity rate?

Obesity Solution Essay Topics

With all the developments in medicine and technology, we still don’t have exact measures to treat obesity.

Here are some insights you can discuss in your essay:

• How do obese people suffer from metabolic complications?
• Describe the fat distribution in obese people.
• Is type 2 diabetes related to obesity?
• Are obese people more prone to suffer from diabetes in the future?
• How are cardiac diseases related to obesity?
• Can obesity affect a woman’s childbearing time phase?
• Describe the digestive diseases related to obesity.
• Obesity may be genetic.
• Obesity can cause a higher risk of suffering a heart attack.
• What are the causes of obesity? What health problems can be caused if an individual suffers from obesity?
• What are the side effects of surgery to overcome obesity?
• Which drugs are effective when it comes to the treatment of obesity?
• Is there a difference between being obese and overweight?
• Can obesity affect the sociological perspective of an individual?
• Explain how an obesity treatment works.
• How can the government help people to lose weight and improve public health?

Writing an essay is a challenging yet rewarding task. All you need is to be organized and clear when it comes to academic writing.

• Choose a topic you would like to write on.
• Organize your thoughts.
• Pen down your ideas.
• Compose a perfect essay that will help you ace your subject.
• Proofread and revise your paper.

Were the topics useful for you? We hope so!

However, if you are still struggling to write your paper, you can pick any of the topics from this list, and our essay writer will help you craft a perfect essay.

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Essay on Obesity for Students and Children | PDF Download

Herewith, we have composed an Essay on Obesity for Students and Children to assist the student’s of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in their class assignments, comprehensive tasks, etc., and to make aware of people about obesity. So one can refer to this complete article as per their convenience.

Long Essay on Obesity

Obesity: Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fats that severely causes a risk of health or obesity is gaining excessive fat in the body. A Body Mass Index over25 is considered overweight and over 30 is obese. The causes of obesity are eating high-calorie food or junk food, leading a sedentary lifestyle, usage of drugs, hereditary, etc., If a person consumes a high amount of calories and avoids physical activities to burn the calories then the surplus calories or energy will be stored as excessive fat and leads to obesity. The consequences of obesity are Hypertension (High blood pressure), Type 2 diabetics, Body pains, breathing problems, heart diseases, Gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, cancer, etc.,

The world is suffering from many complex diseases out of obesity is one. Every one child out of five children is attacked by obesity around the Globe. When we look into the causes of obesity Many people’s lifestyle has changed due to the development in technology. Earlier children used to play games with their friends in playgrounds and parks now their focus has shifted from playgrounds and parks to mobile phones and computers. In previous days people used to do everything themselves manually from household chores to going to the market to get things. But now everything gets delivered to the doorstep. people have changed a lot with changing technology and this type of lifestyle leads to obesity.

Moreover, People suffer from obesity due to hereditary, Some people have genes that force them to gain unintentional weight than others. Some medications increase your appetite which leads you to eat more and gain extra fat. Some medicine might hurt your metabolism which leads to burning calories at a slower rate. Some people are couch potatoes (a person who is inactive or lazy and spends a great deal of time in front of the television. Some are foodaholic means uncontrollable or excessive cravings for food. Those people get suffered from the obesity problem.

In today’s era, People’s busy life leads to consuming junk food regularly, Junk or processed foods are hamburgers, potato chips, pizza, candy, sweet desserts, fried fast food, pastries, cookies, cakes, sugary drinks, etc., Junk foods contain unhealthy fats, sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates. Junk foods are little in nutrition and high in calories. Many people have cravings to eat tasty food than healthy food so these cravings for tasty food force them to eat junk foods.

Junk foods like french fries, pizza, fried foods, candy, burgers, baked goods, soft drinks, cookies, ice cream, etc., are high in cholesterol, high calories, high sugar, high sodium mineral, unhealthy fat, starch, low in healthy nutrients, lack of dietary fibers and lack of protein. Even Processed and Junk food are healthy, they cause unintentional or excessive weight which we can say is obesity as they are high in fat and cholesterol. Moreover, many people don’t do any physical activities to burn energy and calories this sedentary lifestyle led people to get attacked not only by obesity but also by cancer, asthma, type 2 diabetics, high blood pressure, heart diseases, etc.,

Symptoms of Obesity:

You can identify your obesity when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. To know your body mass index, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiply by 703. Or divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.

For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. However, BMI doesn’t directly measure body fat, so some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI in the obesity category even though they don’t have excess body fat.

Causes of Obesity:

Consuming more Calories: The energy value is measured in units known as calories. A physically active man needs 2500 calories per day and a woman needs about 2000 calories. Consuming more than the required calories causes you to accumulate more weight. Junk or processed foods are hamburgers, potato chips, pizza, candy, sweet desserts, fried fast food, pastries, cookies, cakes, sugary drinks, etc., are high-calorie food if you consume 1 hamburger nearly you gain 1500 calories.

Unbalanced or poor diet: eating large amounts of junk or processed food, consuming too much alcohol, drinking sugary drinks more, eating a large proportion than you required, and consuming foods that are high in sodium, high in calories, high in cholesterol, less in proteins, nutrients, minerals, etc.,

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is another major cause of obesity. Nowadays Many people lead sedentary lifestyle such as doing jobs which involve sitting most of the day, sitting idle and watching more time TV and spending more time on mobile phones, internet, etc.,

Genetics Conditions: Some people get obese due to genetic conditions. Some people who are suffering from obesity say that “I can’t do anything to lose weight because it is my genes”.The genetic traits that you inherited from your parents cause obesity such as having a large appetite which causes consuming more food than required and leads to gaining excessive weight.

Sleeping Pattern: Epidemiological Studies have proven that persons who have insufficient sleep are more prone to obesity. Insufficient sleep leads to consuming more food than required which leads to gain excessive fat in addition to that insufficient sleep can slow your metabolism.

Medications: Medications like corticosteroids, medication for epilepsy, diabetic drugs, some medications for mental illness including antidepressants and medicines for schizophrenia, etc. can cause to gain more weight.

Consequences or effects of Obesity:

• Heart diseases
• Type 2 diabetics
• Coronary heart disease
• All causes of death (mortality)
• Gallbladder disease
• High LDL Cholesterol
• Low HDL cholesterol
• High levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
• Osteoarthritis ( a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Breathing problems like asthma and sleep apnea
• insulin resistance
• increased risk of glucose tolerance etc.,

How to cure Obesity:

Physical Activity: Involving in required physical activities (walking, jogging, bicycling, dancing, yoga, etc.,) to cure obesity.

Balanced Diet: Obesity can also be cured by having a balanced diet consuming less bad fat and more good fat, consuming less processed and junk food, eating more vegetables and fruits, eating plenty of dietary fiber, consuming foods that contain proteins, minerals, vitamins, nutrients, etc.,)

Drug and surgery: obesity can be cured through drug treatment and surgeries like laparoscopic surgery, bariatric surgery, etc., The most common bariatric surgery procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

What are the Problems of Obesity?

1. Obesity is gaining excessive or uncontrolled fat in the body. 2. Obesity can be diagnosed if the Body Mass Index of a person is more than 30. 3. Every 1 out of 5 persons is attacked by obesity. 4. Right from hereditary to habit problems causes obesity. 5. Consuming high-calorie food, leading a sedentary lifestyle, usage of drugs, genetic issues, etc., are the causes of obesity. 6. Obesity leads to many severe diseases such as Hypertension (High blood pressure), Type 2 diabetics, Body pains, breathing problems, heart diseases, Gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, cancer, etc., 7. Obesity can be cured in natural as well as medical ways. 8. Healthy diet, physical exercise are the natural ways (Healthy lifestyle) to cure obesity. 9. Obesity can also be cured through drug treatment and surgeries like bariatric surgery. 10. Everyone should lead a healthy lifestyle, not a sedentary lifestyle to be away from obesity.

Essay on Obesity: Images

Conclusion: We would like to conclude this Essay on Obesity for School Students and Children in English that the consequences of obesity are very difficult to bear and even some people want to end up their life. Indeed obesity is a severe problem from which many people in the world are suffering although genetic conditions and physical ailments cause obesity for a few people, the problem is mostly caused by the reckless lifestyle of people. So everyone must inculcate a healthy lifestyle to be away from obesity and the people who are suffering from obesity can eliminate it by leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Essay on Obesity in America

• Categories: Obesity

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Published: Mar 5, 2024

Words: 991 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

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Essays About Obesity: Top 5 Examples and 7 Writing Prompts

Obesity is a pressing health issue many people must deal with in their lives. If you are writing essays about obesity, check out our guide for helpful examples and writing prompts. 

In the world we live in today, certain diseases such as obesity are becoming more significant problems. People suffering from obesity have excess fat, which threatens their health significantly. This can lead to strokes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even death. It also dramatically alters one’s physical appearance.

However, we must not be so quick to judge and criticize obese people for their weight and supposed “lifestyle choices.” Not every obese person makes “bad choices” and is automatically “lazy,” as various contributing causes exist. Therefore, we must balance concern for obese people’s health and outright shaming them. 

To write insightful essays about obesity, you can start by reading essay examples. 

5 Best Essay examples

1. obesity as a social issue by earnest washington, 2. is there such a thing as ‘healthy obesity’ by gillian mohney, 3. problems of child obesity by peggy maldonado, 4.  what is fat shaming are you a shamer by jamie long.

• 5. ​​The Dangerous Link Between Coronavirus and Obesity by Rami Bailony

Writing Prompts for Essays About Obesity

1. what causes obesity, 2. what are the effects of obesity, 3. how can you prevent obesity, 4. what is “fat shaming”, 5. why is obesity rate so higher, 6. obesity in the united states, 7. your experience with obesity.

“Weight must be considered as a genuine risk in today’s world. Other than social issues like body shaming, obesity has significantly more to it and is a risk to human life. It must be dealt with and taken care of simply like some other interminable illness and we as people must recollect that machines and innovation has progressed to help us not however not make us unenergetic.”

Washington writes about the dangers of obesity, saying that it can significantly damage your digestive and cardiovascular systems and even cause cancer. In addition, humans’ “expanded reliance on machines” has led us to become less active and more sedentary; as a result, we keep getting fatter. While he acknowledges that shaming obese people does no good, Washington stresses the dangers of being too heavy and encourages people to get fit. 

“‘I think we need to move away from using BMI as categorizing one as obese/overweight or unhealthy,” Zarabi told Healthline. “The real debate here is how do we define health? Is the vegetarian who has a BMI of 30, avoiding all saturated fats from meats and consuming a diet heavy in simple carbohydrates [and thus] reducing his risk of cardiac disease but increasing likelihood of elevated triglycerides and insulin, considered healthy?

Mohney, writing for Healthline, explains how “healthy obesity” is nuanced and should perhaps be retired. Some people may be metabolically healthy and obese simultaneously; however, they are still at risk of diseases associated with obesity. Others believe that health should be determined by more factors than BMI, as some people eat healthily and exercise but remain heavy. People have conflicting opinions on this term, and Mohney describes suggestions to instead focus on getting treatment for “healthy obese” people

“The absence of physical movement is turning into an increasingly normal factor as youngsters are investing more energy inside, and less time outside. Since technology is turning into an immense piece of present-day youngsters’ lives, exercises, for example, watching TV, gaming, messaging and playing on the PC, all of which require next to no vitality and replaces the physical exercises.”

In her essay, Maldonado discusses the causes and effects of childhood obesity. For example, hereditary factors and lack of physical activity make more children overweight; also, high-calorie food and the pressure on kids to “finish their food” make them consume more. 

Obesity leads to high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer; children should not suffer as they are still so young. 

“Regardless of the catalyst at the root of fat shaming, it persists quite simply because we as a society aren’t doing enough to call it out and stand in solidarity against it. Our culture has largely bought into the farce that thinness equals health and success. Instead, the emphasis needs to shift from the obsession of appearance to promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors for all, regardless of body size. A lean body shouldn’t be a requisite to be treated with dignity and respect. Fat shaming is nonsensical and is the manifestation of ignorance and possibly, hate.”

Long warns readers of the dangers of fat shaming, declaring that it is reprehensible and should not be done. People may have “good intentions” when criticizing overweight or obese people, but it does not, in fact, help with making them healthier. Long believes that society should highlight a healthy lifestyle rather than a “healthy” body, as everyone’s bodies are different and should not be the sole indicator of health. 

5. ​​ The Dangerous Link Between Coronavirus and Obesity by Rami Bailony

“In a study out of NYU, severe obesity (BMI >40) was a greater risk factor for hospitalization among Covid-19 patients than heart failure, smoking status, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. In China, in a small case series of critically ill Covid-19 patients, 88.24% of patients who died had obesity versus an obesity rate of 18.95% in survivors. In France, patients with a BMI greater than 35 were seven times more likely to require mechanical ventilation than patients with a BMI below 25.”

Bailony’s essay sheds light on research conducted in several countries regarding obesity and COVID-19. The disease is said to be “a leading risk factor in mortality and morbidity” from the virus; studies conducted in the U.S., China, and France show that most obese people who contracted the coronavirus died. Bailony believes obesity is not taken seriously enough and should be treated as an actual disease rather than a mere “lifestyle choice.”

It is well-known that obesity is an excess buildup of body fat, but what exactly causes this? It is not simply due to “eating a lot,” as many people simply understand it; there are other factors besides diet that affect someone’s body size. Look into the different causes of obesity, explaining each and how they are connected.

Obesity can result in the development of many diseases. In addition, it can significantly affect one’s physique and digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. For your essay, discuss the different symptoms of obesity and the health complications it can lead to in the future.

It can be safely assumed that no one wants to be obese, as it is detrimental to one’s health. Write an essay guide of some sort, giving tips on managing your weight, staying healthy, and preventing obesity. Include some dietary guidelines, exercise suggestions, and the importance of keeping the balance between these two.

“Fat shaming” is a phenomenon that has become more popular with the rise in obesity rates. Define this term, explain how it is seen in society, and explain why it is terrible. Also, include ways that you can speak about the dangers of obesity without making fun of obese people or making them feel bad for their current state. 

The 21st century has seen a dramatic rise in obesity rates worldwide compared to previous decades. Why is this the case? Explore one or more probable causes for the increase in obese people. You should mention multiple causes in your essay, but you may choose to focus on one only- explain it in detail.

The United States, in particular, is known to be a country with many obese people. This is due to a combination of factors, all connected in some way. Research obesity in the U.S. and write about why it is a bigger problem than in other countries- take a look at portion size, fitness habits, and food production. 

If applicable, you may write about your experience with obesity. Whether you have struggled or are struggling with it in the past or know someone who has, discuss how this makes you feel. Reflect on how this knowledge has impacted you as a person and any lessons this may have taught you. 

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our essays about bullying topic guide !

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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Obesity: Predisposing Factors and Treatment Essay

Introduction, predisposing factors, tackling obesity.

In the recent years, obesity and its related conditions have plummeted to a high record. Obesity, a condition once considered as an adult problem, has spread among more young people in the 21 st century, than in the past. This disease can be explained as the presence of excess fat in the body. A simple way of diagnosing obesity is by the use of Body Mass Index (BMI), which is simply weight (kg)/height (m)2. Speaking about the youth, once the BMI is determined it is then compared to that of other children of the same age and sex. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a BMI with more than 30kg/m² as obese (deOnis, Blossner, & Borghi, 2010). This paper will delve into the causes and the solutions of this problem.

Diet, in particular, plays a vital role in the health of a young person. Consumption of the processed foods with a high content of fat and sugar, affects the normal metabolism in the young body. This happens by causing a surge in the levels of blood glucose immediately after the consumption of the food. Moreover, this causes energy slumps in the body prompting a hunger impulse that in turn makes one eat a lot (Wieting, 2008).

Besides the constituents of the diet, other factors can predispose a young individual to develop obesity. To begin with, working parents increase the risk of their children developing obesity by being too busy to closely monitor or prepare what their children eat. Secondly, the fast food industry spends fortunes in advertisements to entice the youth to buy their products. Another factor is the proximity of these fast food outlets to schools and colleges. Finally, poor families often do not have enough funds to spend on healthy food and thus going for the cheaper options like junk foods (Danner, 2008).

Sedentary lifestyles

There is less physical activity among the youth today. Nowadays, most young people prefer remaining indoors and watch TV or play online virtual reality games. In turn, they rarely have time to get involved in physical activities. Schools, on the other hand, have also reduced the number of hours allocated to the physical education classes in an attempt to improve performance in state proficiency examinations (Wieting, 2008).

There is an increased possibility of a child born to obese parents to get the same condition. It has been noted that the condition is also more prevalent among the black Americans and Hispanics than in the Caucasians (Wieting, 2008).

Health issues

Some diseases may increase the risk of obesity. A good example is the Cushing’s disease that results from over secretion of a stress hormone called cortisol . It leads to the deposition of fat around the stomach and the upper side of the back. In addition, some drugs used in the treatment of mental problems/psychosis, such as diazepam, can lead to an increased appetite (Wieting, 2008).

A responsible guardian should analyse all areas of their children’s lives. They should also think over their own lifestyle choices, as they could be the source of the problem. The following are some of the suggested solutions in preventing and controlling obesity.

Changes in diet

A meal should always have three main food groups. High fiber foods are the best form of carbohydrates. These include foods such as whole grain flours, brown rice and yams. White meat sources of protein like chicken are preferred to red meat. Beans and peas are also good protein sources. Vegetables and fruits are the best sources of vitamins (Danner, 2008).

Parents should control the hours their children spend in front of the TV set. Instead of buying video games as gifts, they should substitute this with play kits such as a tennis racquets, bats, etc. Parents should also participate in these physical activities with their children in order to encourage them. Similarly, schools should allocate adequate time to physical education and encourage students to manage their time well to excel in their class work.

Screening for predisposing diseases

Children from families that have a disposition to develop Type 2 diabetes mellitus are supposed to be screened. Good dietary management is also very important for such an individual to prevent the condition, delay its onset or manage the symptoms if the condition is already present. Patients undergoing antipsychotic drug therapy should be put on a diet and exercise regimen by a nutritionist or physician.

There are no drugs recommended for children, however Orlistat (Xenical) can be used in teenagers. It causes a small but steady decline in weight. Its use is often recommended alongside that of good dietary management. Sibutramine is another example; however, it is obligatory to consult a doctor when opting to use this remedy (Wieting, 2008).

It is very clear that obesity is no longer an individual problem. The world needs to do something about this condition. In fact, it is important to note that preventing and controlling obesity reduces the costs that one would otherwise incur in treating obesity related ailments like stroke, heart conditions, and blood pressure. Everyone is at risk of becoming obese; it is important to take the above steps in order to protect children from developing this scourge.

Danner, F. W. (2008). A national longitudinal study of the association between hours of TV viewing and the trajectory of BMI growth among US children. Journal of Pediatric Psychology , 33 (10), 1100-1107.

deOnis, M., Blössner, M., & Borghi, E. (2010). Global prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among preschool children. The American journal of clinical nutrition , 92 (5), 1257-1264.

Wieting, J. M. (2008). Cause and effect in childhood obesity: solutions for a national epidemic: JAOA. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association , 108 (10), 545-552.

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Article Contents

Obesity: causes, consequences, treatments, and challenges.

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Obesity: causes, consequences, treatments, and challenges, Journal of Molecular Cell Biology , Volume 13, Issue 7, July 2021, Pages 463–465, https://doi.org/10.1093/jmcb/mjab056

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Obesity has become a global epidemic and is one of today’s most public health problems worldwide. Obesity poses a major risk for a variety of serious diseases including diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer ( Bluher, 2019 ).

Obesity is mainly caused by imbalanced energy intake and expenditure due to a sedentary lifestyle coupled with overnutrition. Excess nutrients are stored in adipose tissue (AT) in the form of triglycerides, which will be utilized as nutrients by other tissues through lipolysis under nutrient deficit conditions. There are two major types of AT, white AT (WAT) and brown AT, the latter is a specialized form of fat depot that participates in non-shivering thermogenesis through lipid oxidation-mediated heat generation. While WAT has been historically considered merely an energy reservoir, this fat depot is now well known to function as an endocrine organ that produces and secretes various hormones, cytokines, and metabolites (termed as adipokines) to control systemic energy balance. Studies over the past decade also show that WAT, especially subcutaneous WAT, could undergo ‘beiging’ remodeling in response to environmental or hormonal perturbation. In the first paper of this special issue, Cheong and Xu (2021) systematically review the recent progress on the factors, pathways, and mechanisms that regulate the intercellular and inter-organ crosstalks in the beiging of WAT. A critical but still not fully addressed issue in the adipose research field is the origin of the beige cells. Although beige adipocytes are known to have distinct cellular origins from brown and while adipocytes, it remains unclear on whether the cells are from pre-existing mature white adipocytes through a transdifferentiation process or from de novo differentiation of precursor cells. AT is a heterogeneous tissue composed of not only adipocytes but also nonadipocyte cell populations, including fibroblasts, as well as endothelial, blood, stromal, and adipocyte precursor cells ( Ruan, 2020 ). The authors examined evidence to show that heterogeneity contributes to different browning capacities among fat depots and even within the same depot. The local microenvironment in WAT, which is dynamically and coordinately controlled by inputs from the heterogeneous cell types, plays a critical role in the beige adipogenesis process. The authors also examined key regulators of the AT microenvironment, including vascularization, the sympathetic nerve system, immune cells, peptide hormones, exosomes, and gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Given that increasing beige fat function enhances energy expenditure and consequently reduces body weight gain, identification and characterization of novel regulators and understanding their mechanisms of action in the beiging process has a therapeutic potential to combat obesity and its associated diseases. However, as noticed by the authors, most of the current pre-clinical research on ‘beiging’ are done in rodent models, which may not represent the exact phenomenon in humans ( Cheong and Xu, 2021 ). Thus, further investigations will be needed to translate the findings from bench to clinic.

While both social–environmental factors and genetic preposition have been recognized to play important roles in obesity epidemic, Gao et al. (2021) present evidence showing that epigenetic changes may be a key factor to explain interindividual differences in obesity. The authors examined data on the function of DNA methylation in regulating the expression of key genes involved in metabolism. They also summarize the roles of histone modifications as well as various RNAs such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs in regulating metabolic gene expression in metabolic organs in response to environmental cues. Lastly, the authors discuss the effect of lifestyle modification and therapeutic agents on epigenetic regulation of energy homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms by which lifestyles such as diet and exercise modulate the expression and function of epigenetic factors in metabolism should be essential for developing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.

A major consequence of obesity is type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that occurs when body cannot use and produce insulin effectively. Diabetes profoundly and adversely affects the vasculature, leading to various cardiovascular-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerotic, and microvascular diseases, which have been recognized as the most common causes of death in people with diabetes ( Cho et al., 2018 ). Love et al. (2021) systematically review the roles and regulation of endothelial insulin resistance in diabetes complications, focusing mainly on vascular dysfunction. The authors review the vasoprotective functions and the mechanisms of action of endothelial insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling pathways. They also examined the contribution and impart of endothelial insulin resistance to diabetes complications from both biochemical and physiological perspectives and evaluated the beneficial roles of many of the medications currently used for T2D treatment in vascular management, including metformin, thiazolidinediones, glucagon-like receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, as well as exercise. The authors present evidence to suggest that sex differences and racial/ethnic disparities contribute significantly to vascular dysfunction in the setting of diabetes. Lastly, the authors raise a number of very important questions with regard to the role and connection of endothelial insulin resistance to metabolic dysfunction in other major metabolic organs/tissues and suggest several insightful directions in this area for future investigation.

Following on from the theme of obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction, Xia et al. (2021) review the latest progresses on the role of membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that proteolytically cleaves extracellular matrix components and non-matrix proteins, in lipid metabolism. The authors examined data on the transcriptional and post-translational modification regulation of MT1-MMP gene expression and function. They also present evidence showing that the functions of MT1-MMP in lipid metabolism are cell specific as it may either promote or suppress inflammation and atherosclerosis depending on its presence in distinct cells. MT1-MMP appears to exert a complex role in obesity for that the molecule delays the progression of early obesity but exacerbates obesity at the advanced stage. Because inhibition of MT1-MMP can potentially lower the circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cancer metastasis and atherosclerosis, the protein has been viewed as a very promising therapeutic target. However, challenges remain in developing MT1-MMP-based therapies due to the tissue-specific roles of MT1-MMP and the lack of specific inhibitors for this molecule. Further investigations are needed to address these questions and to develop MT1-MMP-based therapeutic interventions.

Lastly, Huang et al. (2021) present new findings on a critical role of puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA), an integral non-transmembrane enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of amino acids near the N-terminus of polypeptides, in NAFLD. NAFLD, ranging from simple nonalcoholic fatty liver to the more aggressive subtype nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, has now become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide ( Loomba et al., 2021 ). At present, no effective drugs are available for NAFLD management in the clinic mainly due to the lack of a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the disease progress, reinforcing the urgent need to identify and validate novel targets and to elucidate their mechanisms of action in NAFLD development and pathogenesis. Huang et al. (2021) found that PSA expression levels were greatly reduced in the livers of obese mouse models and that the decreased PSA expression correlated with the progression of NAFLD in humans. They also found that PSA levels were negatively correlated with triglyceride accumulation in cultured hepatocytes and in the liver of ob/ob mice. Moreover, PSA suppresses steatosis by promoting lipogenesis and attenuating fatty acid β-oxidation in hepatocytes and protects oxidative stress and lipid overload in the liver by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, the master regulator of antioxidant response. These studies identify PSA as a pivotal regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism and suggest that PSA may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for treating NAFLD.

In summary, papers in this issue review our current knowledge on the causes, consequences, and interventions of obesity and its associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, and cardiovascular disease ( Cheong and Xu, 2021 ; Gao et al., 2021 ; Love et al., 2021 ). Potential targets for the treatment of dyslipidemia and NAFLD are also discussed, as exemplified by MT1-MMP and PSA ( Huang et al., 2021 ; Xia et al., 2021 ). It is noted that despite enormous effect, few pharmacological interventions are currently available in the clinic to effectively treat obesity. In addition, while enhancing energy expenditure by browning/beiging of WAT has been demonstrated as a promising alternative approach to alleviate obesity in rodent models, it remains to be determined on whether such WAT reprogramming is effective in combating obesity in humans ( Cheong and Xu, 2021 ). Better understanding the mechanisms by which obesity induces various medical consequences and identification and characterization of novel anti-obesity secreted factors/soluble molecules would be helpful for developing effective therapeutic treatments for obesity and its associated medical complications.

Bluher M. ( 2019 ). Obesity: global epidemiology and pathogenesis . Nat. Rev. Endocrinol . 15 , 288 – 298 .

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Cheong L.Y. , Xu A. ( 2021 ). Intercellular and inter-organ crosstalk in browning of white adipose tissue: molecular mechanism and therapeutic complications . J. Mol. Cell Biol . 13 , 466 – 479 .

Cho N.H. , Shaw J.E. , Karuranga S. , et al.  ( 2018 ). IDF Diabetes Atlas: global estimates of diabetes prevalence for 2017 and projections for 2045 . Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract . 138 , 271 – 281 .

Gao W. , Liu J.-L. , Lu X. , et al.  ( 2021 ). Epigenetic regulation of energy metabolism in obesity . J. Mol. Cell Biol . 13 , 480 – 499 .

Huang B. , Xiong X. , Zhang L. , et al.  ( 2021 ). PSA controls hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating the NRF2 signaling pathway . J. Mol. Cell Biol . 13 , 527 – 539 .

Loomba R. , Friedman S.L. , Shulman G.I. ( 2021 ). Mechanisms and disease consequences of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease . Cell 184 , 2537 – 2564 .

Love K.M. , Barrett E.J. , Malin S.K. , et al.  ( 2021 ). Diabetes pathogenesis and management: the endothelium comes of age . J. Mol. Cell Biol . 13 , 500 – 512 .

Ruan H.-B. ( 2020 ). Developmental and functional heterogeneity of thermogenic adipose tissue . J. Mol. Cell Biol . 12 , 775 – 784 .

Xia X.-D. , Alabi A. , Wang M. , et al.  ( 2021 ). Membrane-type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), lipid metabolism, and therapeutic implications . J. Mol. Cell Biol . 13 , 513 – 526 .

Author notes

Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China E-mail: [email protected]

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Your Article Library

Essay on obesity.

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Read this essay to learn about the meaning, causes, types, treatment, principles of dietary management and complications of overweight/ obesity.

Meaning of Obesity:

Obesity is a big problem of health. Obesity is a condition in which there is excessive weight gain in the body, an increase of 10% over the ideal weight is termed as obesity. Excessive weight gain is generally due to large intake of food.

When excessive amount of energy is consumed and less quantity of it is used up the excess energy gets converted into fat which is deposited as adipose tissue. Excessive weight would predispose a person to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, gout, arthritis, disease of the liver and gall bladder, etc. Common complaints from an obese person would be fatigue, backaches and foot-aches after a little bit of excretion.

Causes of Obesity:

Genetic Factors:

A genetic base regulates species, difference in body fat and sexual difference within a species. So genetic inheritance to certain extend influences a person’s chance of becoming fat.

Eating Habits:

Certain eating habits of an individual can lead to obesity which are:

1. Snacking in between the meals, common among adole­scents and housewives.

2. Eating faster, taking less time for chewing thereby consuming more.

3. The appearance of food or the smell of food turns their appetite on, though internally they would not be hungry.

4. Individuals who frequently attend luncheons hosted by their officials generally lead to consumption of heavy food.

5. Irregular timings, when one would get the time the person would rather.

6. People overeat to suppress their emotions.

Physical Activity:

Persons leading sedentary lives are more prone to be obese. There is hardly any attention given to physical activity.

Endocrine Factors:

Obesity is found in hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and Cushing’s syndrome. Obesity is also common during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, suggesting endocrine glands might be a factor.

An injury to hypothalamus after a head injury may lead to obesity as the hypothalamus cannot regulate appetite or satiety center.

Types of Obesity:

Grade I- These people have Body mass index (BMI) less than 29.9. The excess weight does not affect their health. They generally reduce on their own.

Grade II- The body mass index is between 30-39.9. Though they maintain good health but on little exertion they are fatigued. For reasons unknown they are more at risk for developing diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, fatty liver, gall bladder diseases, hernias, etc.

Grade III- The body mass index is above 40. They have very limited physical activity due to enormous weight. They are more susceptible to all the diseases of grade II.

Body mass Index

(BMI) = Weight [kg]/Height [m]

Grading of obesity can be base on BMI

Grade III >40

Grade II 30-40

Grade I 25-29.9

Not obese <25

Treatment of Obesity:

Reducing Weight:

Losing weight requires careful planning in diet. Reduced intake and regular loss of fat from body in the form of physical activity play a major role as a person grows old. A slight change in ideal weight is normal.

Generally obese persons lead sedentary lives. A low calorie diet with moderate exercise such as walking would be the best in which the time-span can be gradually increased. The grade I type of obese patient can also take part in outdoor games like tennis, badminton, swimming, cycling, etc. Among housewives, household activities like mopping, sweep­ing the floor, gardening, etc. also forms a pad of good exercise.

Drugs usually act as appetite suppressors which have their own side effects and are no substitute to low calorie diets.

Liposuction:

This is a surgical procedure of removal of excess of fat but is associated with recurrence and a few complications.

Gastric Plication:

By placing surgical staples, across the upper portion of stomach due to which intake capacity of food is reduced.

Principles of Dietary Management:

A low calorie, moderate protein, restricted fat and carbo­hydrates and liberal fluid and high fibre diets are well preferred.

About 20 kcal per kg body is prescribed for a sedentary person and about 25 kcal per kg body weight for a moderately active person.

The normal protein requirement of 1 gm./kg body is the best suitable.

Fats being concentrated source of energy it has to be restricted. Vegetable oils are permitted [except coconut and palm] to provide the required essential fatty acids.

Carbohydrates:

High Carbohydrate foods like potatoes, refined cereal products are to be avoided. To give satiety feeling and regular bowel movements, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and vegetables are preferred.

Fluids should be taken in liberal amounts as they give a filling sensation. A glass of water consumed before a meal reduces the intake.

Complications:

Physical Disability:

As the feet have to bear the load of the whole body they tend to develop problems associated with the joints, knees, spine and the hips.

Metabolic Disorder:

Obesity is closely associated with diabetes. Generally in simple obesity, a patient develops insulin resistance.

Plasma cholesterol levels are high predisposing them to develop gall stones. It can also lead to Gout.

Cardiovascular Disorders:

Apart from atherosclerosis these individuals are prove to develop high blood pressure and varicose veins.

Obstetrical Risk:

Obese ladies when pregnant are greater obstetrical risk due to hypertension, diabetes or postpartum infections.

Psychologic Disturbances:

Obese adolescents have been found to have personality characteristics which are self-created among which the greatest is an inferiority feeling.

Prone to Accidents:

These people are more prone to accidents due to slipping and falling down.

Nursing Diagnosis:

Altered Nutrition-more than Body Requirements:

The patient is at risk of actually consuming more than what is necessary for metabolic needs.

May be related to:

Excessive intake, sedentary life, Cultural preferences, Psychological preferences

Possibly Evidenced by:

10-12% over ideal body weight

Clinical Conditions:

Obesity, Hypothyroidism, Patient on corticosteroids, Prolonged immobility, Cushing’s syndrome.

Expected Outcome:

1. Identifies healthy patterns of nutrition and weight control

2. Plans for future control of weight

3. Weight loss towards desired goal established

Related Articles:

• Nutrition Transition: Extent, Causes, Implications (310 Words)
• How to Calculate the Daily Calorie Requirement ?

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Obesity Essay

Obesity is a condition wherein a lot of excess fat accumulates in the body. It generally occurs when a person consumes excessive food and does not indulge in physical activity on a regular basis. Obesity increases the chances of incurring diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Obesity is usually caused due to regular intake of excessive food and lack of proper physical exercise. It is also suspected to be a genetic problem. This condition increases the chances of developing various health problems requiring urgent attention. Here are some essays of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams.

Long and Short Essay on Obesity in English

Obesity essay 1 (200 words).

Obesity generally occurs when a person consumes more than the required amount of food on a regular basis and does not indulge in physical activities to burn the excess fat. The problem can also be genetic and may even be caused as a side effect of certain medicines or psychological factors such as sadness, depression, nervousness, etc.

The problem can be prevented by following below-mentioned tips:

• Follow a healthy diet that is full of various micronutrients. However, keep a tab on how much you eat.
• Instead of having three large meals a day it is suggested to have four-five small meals.
• Squeeze in at least half an hour each day to exercise.
• Keep a check on your body weight as well as your waist line.

Obesity is not just a problem in its own; it can lead to various serious health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, brain stroke, infertility, sleep apnea and diabetes. If you do not prevent this problem from occurring, you will have to undergo extensive treatment to cure it. While doctors prescribe medicines, make changes in the patient’s diet and devise an exercise regime to treat this problem, in certain cases the patients may even have to undergo a surgery.

Obesity Essay 2 (300 words)

Obesity is mostly the outcome of a combination of two things – regular intake of excessive food and absence of physical activity. It may usually, not necessarily, be a genetic problem and might even occur as a side effect of certain medicines. Here is a detailed look at the causes of this condition and the ways to prevent and treat it.

Causes of Obesity

• Excessive Food Intake and Lack of Exercise

One of the leading causes of obesity is the regular consumption of more than the required quantity of food combined with lack of proper physical activity.

• Psychological Factors

It has been observed that some people tend to eat excessively when they are going through a tough time in life. This eventually leads to weight gain and obesity.

Obesity may even be inherited from the parents in certain cases.

Regular intake of certain medicines such as oral contraceptives and antidepressants may also lead to weight gain and eventually result in obesity.

Methods to Prevent Obesity

Here is how to prevent this health condition from occurring:

• Eat Right and Exercise

It is essential to have a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and cereals. Avoid oily and sugary food items.

Even as you choose to eat healthy, keep a tab on how much you eat and also the frequency of your meals.

Make it a habit to indulge in 30-45 minutes of exercise each day.

• Keep a Tab on your Weight

Keep a check on your body weight and waist line.

While it is best to prevent obesity by following the aforementioned tips, however if you fall prey to this condition it is best to consult a doctor immediately to get it cured as it is not only a problem in its own but can also lead to many other health issues such as heart problem, gallstones, sleep apnea and infertility, to name a few.

Obesity Essay 3 (400 words)

Obesity usually occurs when a person makes it a habit to consume more than the required quantity of food and does not indulge in enough physical activity. This condition may even be inherited and might occur due to certain other reasons too. Here is a detailed look at the various reasons that cause obesity, the impact it has on a person’s health and also the ways to avoid it.

• Excessive Eating and Lack of Physical Activity

As stated earlier, the main cause of developing this condition is regular intake of more than the required amount of food coupled with lack of physical activity.

• Psychological Issues

It has been observed that some people tend to eat excessively when they are going through a tough time.

Obesity may even run in the family. If either of the parents has this problem then it is likely for the child to develop it.

Certain oral contraceptives, antidepressants and other medicines might also result in weight gain and having these over a period of time may lead to obesity.

Effects of Obesity

Obesity can have several negative repercussions on a person’s body. It may lead to the following:

• High Cholesterol Level
• Sleep Apnea
• Infertility
• High Blood Pressure

Ways to Prevent Obesity

As grave as this problem is, it can be prevented by making some simple yet healthy lifestyle choices. Here is a look at the same:

• Healthy Eating Choices

Keep a check on your calorie intake and have a fibre and nutrient-rich diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and cereals.

• Frequency and Size of Meal

Merely choosing healthy food options is not enough, you must also keep a watch on how much and how frequently you eat. It is best to have five to six small meals at regular intervals during the day rather than gulping three large meals.

Indulge in moderately intense exercise for 150-300 hours per week. This can include jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing among others.

• Watch your Weight

Keep a tab on your body weight as well as your waist size in order to ensure that things are under control.

Obesity, a growing problem around the world, can be prevented by following a healthy diet plan and setting a regular exercise regime. However, in case the problem occurs due to any reason then it is suggested to seek medical help to get it treated at the earliest.

Obesity Essay 4 (500 words)

Obesity is said to be an outcome of regular consumption of excessive food and absence of enough physical activity to burn the extra fat accumulated in the body. Read on to have a detailed look at the causes of obesity, the ways in which it impacts our body and also the methods to prevent and treat this problem.

Why does Obesity Occur?

As mentioned above, obesity occurs because of excessive consumption of food and lack of enough physical activity. Here is a look at the other reasons that lead to obesity:

A person is likely to incur this problem in case both or one of his/ her parents suffers from this problem.

Emotions such as boredom, nervousness, anger and stress impact eating habits in certain people. These people increase their food intake as a response to these negative emotions.

• Medications

Some antidepressants, anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives may lead to weight gain and it may ultimately result in obesity.

• Health Problems

Health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism may also lead to obesity.

How to Prevent Obesity?

• Healthy eating habits

Following healthy eating habits helps in curbing this issue to a large extent.

• Portion size

Make sure you do not have heavy meals. It is suggested to have 4-5 small meals during the day rather than having 3 large meals.

• Physical activity

It is essential to be active through the day. Indulge in physical activities. It is suggested to squeeze in at least half an hour per day to indulge in moderately intense physical activities such as swimming, jogging, dancing and cycling among others.

• Keep a tab on your weight

Keep a check on your body weight and waist size. Make necessary changes in your diet and increase your exercise time in case you see an upward trend.

What are the Repercussions of Obesity?

An obese person stands a high risk of suffering from the below mentioned health problems:

• Cardiovascular Disease

How to Treat Obesity?

Here is how to treat the problem:

• Modification of Diet

An immediate change in the diet plan is essential to overcome this problem. Make sure you consult a doctor to get the dietary changes made.

Indulging in physical exercise is the next big step towards controlling this problem. It helps in shedding the extra calories.

• Over-the-Counter Diet Pills

These pills are effective in reducing weight. However, they may have some negative side effects.

• Prescribed Medicines

It is best to consult a doctor and get medicines prescribed to overcome this problem.

This option is particularly suggested to those whose body mass index is 40 or higher or in case the body mass index is greater than 30 and in addition to it, the person has at least one medical condition directly linked to obesity.

Though a serious health problem, obesity can be cured by following a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to follow a healthy diet plan and exercise regime to prevent this problem from developing.

Obesity Essay 5 (600 words)

Obesity is a health condition wherein a person puts on excessive weight due to regular consumption of more than the required amount of food and lack of physical activity. This condition may even be genetic or might develop because of psychological factors or as a side effect of certain medicines. Here is a detailed look at the causes and effects of obesity and also the ways to curb this problem.

Here are the various causes of obesity:

Overeating : Regular consumption of more than the required amount of food, particularly that rich in fats, leads to weight gain. The frequency of food intake also impacts the metabolism.

Genetic : A person is likely to develop this condition if one or both parents suffer from obesity. This is because genetics impact the hormones involved in fat regulation.

Lack of Physical Exercise : People who do not indulge in enough exercise burn fewer calories as compared to those who are active. Consuming excessive food without indulging in physical activity often leads to obesity.

Medicines: There are certain medications such as antidepressants, valproate, anticonvulsants, some diabetes medicines and oral contraceptives that may result in weight gain and might ultimately cause obesity.

Health Conditions : Health conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance may also cause obesity.

Psychological Factors: Emotions like boredom, stress and sadness influence some people’s eating habits. They increase their food intake as a response to these emotions.

Impacts of Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing various health problems including:

• Heart Disease

Obesity can even have a negative impact on a person’s social and economic life. People suffering from obesity are often discriminated and are prone to depression.

Here are the ways in which obesity can be prevented:

• Following healthy eating habits
• Ensuring proper food intake
• Indulging in physical activities
• Keeping a tab on your weight and waist size
• Preventing screen time

Ways to Cure Obesity

It is better to prevent the problem from occurring rather than looking for ways to treat the same later. However, those who develop it owing to any reason must get it treated at the earliest so as to prevent the risk of developing aforementioned health problems. Here are the ways in which this problem is treated:

Dietary Changes : Making changes in your diet is the first step towards controlling obesity. If you have already developed this condition, it is suggested to consult a physician to help you make the required dietary changes.

Over-the-Counter Diet Pills: Over the counter diet pills include ingredients that help in reducing weight and maintaining it over time. However, these pills may have side effects such as heart palpitation.

Exercise: It is essential to devote 45-60 minutes to exercise each day. Indulge in moderately intense exercises during this time to burn the excess body fat.

Prescribed Pills: Rather than going for over the counter diet pills, it is suggested to have pills as suggested by your doctor in order to cure the problem.

Surgery : Weight loss surgery is suggested for those whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher or in case the BMI is 30-35 or greater and in addition to it, the person has a minimum of one medical condition directly linked to obesity.

Obesity is a serious health problem that gives way to many other major health issues including heart disease, sleep apnea, asthma, gallstones and infertility, to name a few. Caused mainly due to excessive fat accumulation in the body, it can be prevented by following healthy eating habits, regular exercise and keeping a tab on your body weight.

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Obesity Essay | Essay on Obesity for Students and Children in English

Obesity Essay: Obesity is a condition that occurs when a person puts on excess body fat. It is a sudden and unusual increase in body fat. It can lead to heart-related diseases, blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol, and various other health issues. The main cause of obesity is over-eating. Consuming junk food and staying away for physical activities can lead to an increase in the cases of obesity. Every 1 out of 5 children is facing obesity around the globe.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Obesity for Students and Kids in English

In this article, we have provided a long essay and a short essay, along with ten lines on the topic, to help students write this essay in examinations. Given below is a long essay composed of about 500 words and a short essay comprising 100-150 words on Obesity in English.

Long Essay on Obesity 500 words in English

Obesity essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The world today is facing various complex diseases. Out of them, obesity is one. Obesity is a condition wherein a person starts to gain unnecessary body fat. This is an excessive and abnormal increase in body fat which can lead to various other related health issues like heart problems, blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol, and many more. Some people think of obesity as only a cosmetic and physical concern but that’s not true.

The lifestyle of people has changed a lot. Instead of focusing more on physical activities, there has been a paradigm shift to adapting non-physical activities. Children used to play in parks and playgrounds with friends whereas now the preference has been shifted to mobile and computer games. Not only children but also elders have changed their lifestyle a lot. Previously, people preferred to do everything by themselves. Right from doing household chores to getting things from the market, everything was done manually. But time has changed a lot. Now, everything gets delivered at the doorstep. This type of lifestyle has lead to various diseases including obesity.

Additionally, obesity is even caused due to genetics as well. Some people have heredity or have genes that force them to gain weight faster as compared to others. Also, there are some medications like those consumed by bodybuilders (steroids), antidepressants, and medicines for diabetes that make changes in the body metabolism in such a way that the appetite increases resulting in gaining weight. Some people are couch potatoes and foodaholic which means they can’t stay away from food. Under such a situation the appetite increase and the chances to fill oneself with junk food enhances. This kind of habit positively increases the chances of becoming obese.

Ever-increasing cases of obesity are surely a cause of concern, but there are various cures available to treat it. Also, not every treatment is related to medication or surgery. Some of the treatments are such that are related to changes in diet and adapting to physical activities. Eating a healthy, fibrous, and nutritious diet can help reduce that excess weight. Also not munching in between and following a diet routine can help to cure obesity.

Secondly, by doing some physical activities like walking, jogging, running, or exercising one can also burn unwanted fat and calories, thereby reducing obesity. There are various drug therapies as well as surgeries like bariatric surgery that can help reduce the weight. The drug therapies can be long-term as well as short-term depending on the weight to be reduced. But usually, these are clubbed with natural therapies like exercising and yoga.

Obesity is now concerning more and more people. It is thus necessary to make people aware of the symptoms, causes, and cures of the disease as well. This will help to take the necessary steps and combat obesity. Everybody should adapt to the health-enhancing lifestyle and should try to reduce unhealthy habits as much as possible. It is quite true that junk food is attractive and a healthy plate looks dull but to stay healthy and fit, one needs to choose a healthy plate over junk. This is the best way to keep the self and family away from obesity.

Short Essay on Obesity 150 words in English

Obesity essay is usually provided to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Obesity is a cause of serious concern today. Although, many may not think of obesity as the disease still the effects of obesity can lead to various health issues. Obesity is a situation where a person faces a continuous increase in body mass. This increase is usually not normal and hence is a cause of concern. The diseases linked to obesity range from blood pressure, heart issues, hypertension, and diabetes as well. There are many causes of obesity. The most common cause of obesity is unhealthy food habits. An increase in the consumption of junk foods and munching in between leads to obesity.

The second cause of obesity is a decrease in physical activities. People have turned to couch potatoes. They prefer to sit and watch television rather than going out and doing physical exercises like running, walking, jogging, or yoga. The third reason is related to heredity or genetics. Apart there are other reasons related to medication that result in weight gain. There are various natural as well as medical treatments available for obesity. Adapting to healthy food habits and daily exercising can reduce weight. It can lead to a reduction in obesity. Apart there are drug-related therapies as well as surgeries like bariatric surgery available to reduce that excess weight.

It is important to adapt to a healthy lifestyle which includes intake of nutritious food and exercise to reduce obesity. Also making people aware of cause and cures of obesity can be of great use. The best way to keep the self and family away from obesity is to have a healthy lifestyle.

10 Lines on Obesity Essay in English

• Obesity is very common today. It is a situation where a person gains excessive and abnormal weight.
• It has affected 1 out of every 5 individuals in the world.
• It can lead to various diseases such as heart-related, hypertension, blood pressure, and many more.
• There are various causes of obesity right from genetic to habit related.
• Increased intake of junk food, decreased physical activities, increased medication, and unhealthy lifestyle is some major causes of obesity.
• The cases of obesity are more prevalent in children as they tend to be couch potatoes.
• Obesity can be cured by natural as well as medical ways.
• Natural ways to cure obesity include healthy food habits, a healthy lifestyle, and exercising.
• Medical treatments for obesity include drug treatment and surgeries like bariatric surgery.
• Making people aware of how to adapt to a better lifestyle can reduce the chances of obesity.

FAQ’s on Obesity Essay

Question 1. What is Obesity?

Answer: Obesity refers to a situation where the person gains abnormal and excessive weight. Such an increase in weight can lead to health issues.

Question 2. What are the causes of Obesity?

Answer: There are various causes of obesity. The main causes of obesity are unhealthy food habits, reduced physical exercises, increased medication, couch potato nature, and heredity.

Question 3. How can we cure obesity?

Answer: There are various natural and medical cures available for obesity. These include healthy food habits, exercising, drug treatment, and surgeries like bariatric surgery.

Question 4. What steps can be taken to reduce cases of obesity?

Answer: The steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of obesity are as follow:

• Intake of healthy food
• Adapting to a better lifestyle
• Say no to munching and junk food.

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Obesity Classes 1 Through 3: Each Category Explained

• Classes of Obesity

Risks Associated With Obesity

• Other Influencing Factors
• Next in Obesity Guide Obesity Symptoms

Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images

Overweight and obesity means weighing more than what is thought to be healthy for a person of that height. Body mass index (BMI), which estimates your level of body fat based on your height and weight, is often used to determine if a person has overweight or obesity.

A BMI of 30 to 34.9 is considered obesity class 1, 35 to 39.9 is obesity class 2, and over 40 is obesity class 3.

Having obesity is considered a risk factor for a number of health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The risk for health conditions goes up on a continuum as BMI goes up.

On an individual basis, BMI may be used as a screening tool but cannot be used to determine the health of that individual. A healthcare provider needs to perform appropriate health assessments to evaluate an individual person's health and risks.

BMI is calculated differently for children than adults. The growth of children age 2 to 19 years is monitored using additional factors, such as outlined on the growth charts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This article will discuss the obesity classes, health risks associated with obesity, influencing factors beyond BMI, and treatment to go down an obesity class.

What Are the Obesity Classes?

BMI exists on a continuum, but for clinical and research purposes, BMI measures are divided into categories indicating underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. Obesity is further divided into the following three classes:

• Class 1 : BMI of 30 to 34.9
• Class 2 : BMI of 35 to 39.9
• Class 3 : BMI of 40 or more

Some clinicians and researchers further divide Class 3 into two more categories:

• Super obesity : BMI of 50 to 59
• Super-super obesity : BMI of 60 or more

Obesity classes do not assess an individual's health but look at overall risks generally associated with those ranges. As a general trend, as BMI increases, so does the likelihood of health problems. These classes may also be used for purposes such as population research and as part of eligibility criteria for treatments such as bariatric surgery .

Compared to people within the BMI category labeled as healthy, people with obesity have an increased risk of developing health conditions such as:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good cholesterol"), or high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
• Coronary heart disease (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle)
• Heart attack
• Stroke (a blockage of blood flow or bleeding in the brain)
• Sleep apnea (breathing stops and restarts repeatedly during sleep)
• Breathing problems
• Gallbladder disease
• Certain types of cancer
• Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
• Lowered quality of life
• Bone and joint problems, such as pain , stiffness, and osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems

Obesity is one risk factor for these conditions. The more risk factors a person has, the more likely the person is to develop the health problem.

For example, your risk of developing heart disease increases if you have obesity and other risk factors such as:

• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• High blood cholesterol
• A family member under age 50 with heart disease
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Tobacco use

How to Calculate Your BMI

BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of height in meters (m).

Consulting a BMI index chart or using a BMI calculating tool can make this easier.

The CDC offers a BMI calculator for people 20 years old and older and a BMI calculator for people age 2 through 19 .

Beyond Obesity Classes: Other Influencing Factors

BMI has limitations for its accuracy as a tool to determine a "healthy" weight . For example:

• It doesn't take body composition (muscle, fat, bone density) into account.
• It is racially biased (measures and associated risks are heavily based on people who are White). BMI ranges can vary between different ethnicities. For example, people who have Chinese, African Caribbean, Black African, and South Asian backgrounds may experience a higher risk of health problems at a lower BMI than people with other ethnic backgrounds.
• It isn't a suitable measure for certain groups of people, such as people under age 20, pregnant people, and athletes.
• For many people, achieving a BMI that is deemed in the healthy range may not be realistic and may not be the ideal weight for them.
• It does not diagnose body fatness or health.

Other tools may also be used to estimate the potential risk for health conditions. These may include :

• Waist circumference : Higher abdominal fat increases the risk of developing some conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. Waist circumference (measuring around the waist) can be used as a screening tool, but not to make a diagnosis of body fatness or individual health.
• Skinfold thickness measurements : This is measured with calipers at various points of the body
• Other tools : These include underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) , and isotope dilution.

Many factors influence both the development of obesity and the risk of developing health conditions associated with obesity. These may include:

• Sex and gender
• Income and socioeconomic status
• Race and ethnicity
• Living environment and geography
• Access to services
• Family and medical history
• Lifestyle patterns , such as the foods eaten and physical activity levels
• Sleep practices
• Medications (such as steroids )
• Illness and other health conditions (such as hypothyroidism —low thyroid hormones)

What Is Considered Underweight?

• A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered in the underweight range.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered in the healthy weight range.
• A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered in the overweight range.
• A BMI of 30.0 or higher is considered in the obesity range.

Treatment to Go Down an Obesity Class 

Achieving the weight or BMI that is optimal for you and involves fostering an overall health-promoting lifestyle.

Assess Where You Are

Keep a journal of what you eat and drink, your activities, your sleep patterns, emotions, and stressors, to help you identify where you can start making adjustments. Look for things in your lifestyle that could pose challenges for your weight loss.

Ask for Help

Talk to a healthcare provider about connecting with support and resources, such as a registered dietitian or community programs.

Set Realistic Goals

Start with a goal of losing 5% to 10% of your current weight. While this may seem small, it can significantly reduce the risk of developing obesity-related health conditions .

Aim for gradual, steady weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week. This increases the chances of keeping the weight off compared to those who lose weight quickly.

Make long-term goals (such as losing a certain amount of weight), and short-term goals (such as taking a walk, or adding a serving of vegetables to your meal). Focus on two or three goals at a time.

Ensure goals are:

• Forgiving (you don't have to strive for perfection)

Foster a Support System

Gather around people who will support you in your health goals, including friends, family members, coworkers, and others with similar goals.

Monitor Your Progress

Evaluate your progress in terms of your goals, and make adjustments as needed. Reward your successes with nonfood rewards to help keep you motivated.

Establish and Follow a Nutritious Eating Plan

Focus on adopting healthful eating practices that you can stick to long term, rather than short-term dieting. Talk to your healthcare provider about the amount of calories to take in to make sure you are meeting your body's needs while you lose weight. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a nutrition or weight loss specialist, or a weight loss program.

Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Being physically active burns calories and has health benefits such as strengthening bones and muscles, reducing the risk of disease (such as heart disease and diabetes), improving brain health, and improving your ability to do everyday activities.

Moderate-intensity physical activities increase breathing and heart rate, but you can still carry on a conversation. Examples may include:

• A brisk walk
• Biking at a casual pace
• Light snow shoveling or yard work

Vigorous activities substantially increase heart rate and typically make you breathe too hard and fast to have a conversation. Examples may include:

• Running or jogging
• Competitive sports like football, basketball, or soccer
• Swimming laps
• Jumping rope
• Cross-country skiing

Other Lifestyle Habits

Look at your sleeping habits and stress levels . Making sure you get enough good quality sleep, and practicing stress management, are important steps to supporting your health goals.

More Intensive Weight Loss Treatments

In some cases, particularly for those who fall under the classification of class 3 obesity, weight loss can be difficult to achieve and maintain with lifestyle changes alone.

Your healthcare provider may suggest treatments such as:

• Weight loss medications : Some medications may help with weight loss. They should always be taken as directed, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Weight loss surgery : Several types of operations, including bariatric surgery, can help with losing weight and sustaining it long term. Such procedures may be recommended for people who have a BMI of 35 or higher and/or those who have a serious health problem related to obesity.
• Weight loss devices : Such as a gastric band or gastric balloon system. These have only been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , and the long-term risks and benefits are not known

A Word From Verywell

Seeking guidance from a healthcare provider specializing in weight loss can help you decide what approach is appropriate for your health. If you have a higher BMI, you may have nutrition counseling covered by your insurance. Ask your doctor about seeing a registered dietitian to create a more effective personalized plan for achieving your goals.

A BMI of 30 or over is considered having obesity . Obesity is divided into three classes, with increasing BMIs. Risk of health conditions increases as BMI goes up. Obesity can increase the risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

BMI alone cannot measure a person's body composition or health status. Further evaluations performed by a qualified health professional are necessary to make this determination, which is much more complex than a BMI value.

If you have obesity, losing even 5% to 10% of your body weight can reduce the risk of obesity-related health conditions.

If you feel weight loss might be beneficial to you, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you make a plan that emphasizes healthy ways to achieve and sustain a body weight that is right for you and adopting lifestyle habits that promote health, such as nutritious eating and physical activity.

MedlinePlus. Health risks of obesity .

Government of Canada. Canadian guidelines for body weight classification in adults - quick reference tool for professionals .

World Health Organization. Obesity: health consequences of being overweight .

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Losing weight .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Defining child BMI categories .

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Why use BMI?

Lorenzo AD. New obesity classification criteria as a tool for bariatric surgery indication . WJG . 2016;22(2):681. doi:10.3748/wjg.v22.i2.681

Messier SP, Gill ME, Mihalko SL, et al. Clinical, health‐related quality of life, and gait differences among obesity classes in adults with knee osteoarthritis . Arthritis Care & Research . 2024:acr.25265. doi:10.1002/acr.25265

National Health Service. Body mass index (BMI) .

World Obesity Federation. Obesity classification .

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement .

National Health Service. Obesity .

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for overweight & obesity .

By Heather Jones Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism.

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Obesity Essay

Essay on obesity for children.

Obesity is a condition that involves excessive weight gain in the body. There will be a higher risk of health problems due to increased amounts of body fat. It is basically an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. The height and weight of the body determines the Body Mass Index (BMI). Generally, people are considered overweight if their BMI is above 25. Moreover, it is said that a BMI above 30 is considered to be obesity. With an ever changing way of living, people are gaining obesity due to unhealthy lifestyles. Obesity results in various health conditions in humans. Due to this, a person  suffers from heart diseases, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, respiratory and other chronic ailments. 

The main cause of obesity is due to overeating and unhealthy lifestyles. In today’s world, we have seen kids from an early age exposed to junk food and reduction in physical activity. This leads to excess accumulation of fat in the body. In order to overcome obesity, kids must be introduced to a healthy lifestyle along with nutritious food. Besides this, regular exercise and physical activity would help in reducing the weight leading to a healthy life. In this obesity essay, we will discuss the causes, complications and preventive measures. 

Causes Of Obesity 

When an excessive amount of energy is consumed and returned in less quantity, then the rest gets accumulated in the adipose tissue leading to obesity. Therefore, a person consuming more food and releasing less energy results in weight gain. Some of the causes of obesity are mentioned below:

• Overeating: Do you think eating junk food or unhealthy eating habits can lead to obesity? Yes, it has a repercussion on health. There are certain habits that result in obesity such as eating fried snacks, eating fast, eating more and eating food irregularly. Food items with high calories can lead to an increase in weight. For example, sugar, oily and fried items, processed foods, etc. These food items may taste better but eventually leads to increase in weight followed by health complications. 
• Reduction in physical activity: Due to sedentary lifestyle, there is reduction in physical activities such as running, walking or doing household chores. With growing technology, people are dependent on machines and appliances for their work. Therefore, it leads to less movement resulting in fat accumulation in the body. People who do not burn their calories with physical activities tend to put on more weight. Nowadays, people want to eat food and relax without doing any physical activity. 
• Hormonal change: A person tends to put on weight if they have hormonal problems.
• Genetic factor: A person can also gain obesity due to genetic factors. Due to hereditary, a person can become obese even if they eat balanced food or do regular physical exercise. If the ancestors of the family were facing this condition, then they are more likely to gain obesity. 
• Psychological factors: If the person is suffering from psychological problems, they tend to eat more in order to reduce their stress. During sadness or boredom, people like to eat more food. They want to eat more and forget their problems. This eventually leads to an increase in weight. 

Also explore: Essay on Sports and motivation essay .

Complications Of Obesity

Obesity is increasing rapidly across the world. The intake of calories and outlet of energy determines the body weight. If a person is eating more and not burning their calories, it will lead to an increase in body fat. There are major health problems due to obesity. Some of the problems are mentioned below:

• Health Disorders: Due to obesity, there will be an increase in heart related disease in humans. Besides this, people may suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, gall bladder disorders, respiratory problems, psychological issues, etc.  
• Laziness: When there is excess fat accumulation in the body, a person tends to become lazy in doing things. They look for support or seek help in order to get their things done. 
• Economic problems: A person suffering from obesity faces low economic growth due to their health problems associated with weight gain. They become lazy and reduce the quality of work. It leads to huge loss in work and economy. Due to increased health issues, a person tends to spend more money on diagnosis and treatment.
• Low productivity: There might be a reduction in productivity of work. Due to this, a person will feel lethargic towards work and eventually result in low productivity of the work that they are doing. 

How To Prevent Obesity?

Obesity creates major health issues in humans. To overcome this Issue, it is important to focus on losing weight and avoiding things that can cause weight gain. Preventing obesity will help people in reducing the high risk of health problems. It is vital for everyone to stay fit, eat healthy and sleep well to avoid weight gain.  Some of the ways to prevent obesity are mentioned below:

• Eating balanced food: To maintain weight, it is mandatory for people to eat balanced meals. It should include carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, etc. Anything in excess can lead to weight gain. Therefore, including a balanced diet in the meal will not only provide nutrition to the body but also avoid accumulation of excess fat. Avoid junk food and eat more vegetables and fruits for a healthy diet. Encourage children from an early age to inculcate the habit of eating healthy food. This will help them in growing into a healthy person. Besides this, encourage kids to eat only when they are hungry as excess food might get stored in the body as fat. Also, slow eating is one of the factors for reduction in weight. It helps in proper digestion of the food particles. 
• Exercise regularly: Apart from eating food, it is also important for people to exercise on a regular basis. The amount of calories taken should be burned with the help of physical activities. Some of the ways to burn calories are jogging, walking, dancing, yoga or any form of exercise. Try to avoid continuous sitting while working or studying. Take up activities that require more physical activity such as using stairs instead of lift, walking to nearby stores instead of taking a car, etc.
• Eating on time: Irregular patterns of eating may lead to overeating and weight gain. Therefore, inculcating a habit of eating on time will lead to proper digestion of food. The person eating on time will eat food in a limited amount. If there is delay, a person tends to eat food in large quantities. This will result in weight gain. Most importantly, try to eat smaller portions so that there is enough time for digestion. Drink more water to eliminate all the toxic materials from the body. 
• Avoid unhealthy food: Though unhealthy food tastes good, it is important to avoid them. There are many food items available in the market that are processed and rich in sugar. These food products are difficult to digest leading to accumulation of fat in the body. Therefore, avoiding such food items would be the best option for a healthy life. Try to consume food which is low in calories for proper digestion such as fruits and vegetables. These food items have lots of nutrients which can help in lowering the risk of health problems. 
• Improve physical activities: To digest food in the body, there has to be a proper workout or physical activity that people must incorporate in their lifestyles. Incorporating fun physical activities such as playing sports, working out in the gym and doing household chores will help in weight reduction. Avoid sitting or sleeping immediately after intake of food. This will reduce the process of digestion in the body leading to weight gain. 
• Take proper sleep: It is important to take enough rest and sleep at night. Reduction in sleep may cause health problems leading to weight gain. Therefore, introduce bedtime rituals in your lifestyle in order to get proper sleep. 

Obesity is the condition which leads to weight gain due to overeating and unhealthy lifestyles. The main cause of obesity is overeating, reduced physical activities and sleep. Due to this, a person may suffer from severe health problems such as heart diseases, high cholesterol and blood pressure, respiratory problems, etc. To prevent obesity, a person must eat a balanced diet, avoid overeating, exercise regularly, eat food on time, get enough sleep, etc. 

We hope this obesity essay was useful to you. Check essays for kids for more topics. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Obesity Essay

What is an obesity essay.

It is a short write up on obesity which is a condition that results in weight gain leading to many health problems.

What is the main cause of obesity?

The main causes of obesity are overeating, unhealthy lifestyle, less physical activities, genetic and psychological factors.

How to prevent obesity?

The different ways to prevent obesity are eating balanced food, regular exercise, eating food on time, avoiding unhealthy food, increasing physical activity, getting enough sleep, etc.

Ask Amy: Mom frets about daughter’s alcoholism

Dear Amy: I have a 49-year-old daughter who is an elementary school teacher. She became an alcoholic during covid. She has a master’s degree, a beautiful home, and a partner of nine years. She will lose it all, due to her drinking.

She won’t go to AA, and I have suggested inpatient rehab — to no avail. It is breaking my heart. Her father died from cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism at 57, and I’m scared I will lose her, too. She has a twin sister and a brother.

Do you have any suggestions besides Al-Anon?

— Scared Mom

Scared: Your daughter is aware of the worst-case outcome if her addiction spirals, untreated, and if she is unable to attain and maintain sobriety. She knows this because she has felt the consequences and the loss from end-stage alcoholism. Your whole family has had real-life exposure to the danger of this addiction. But she is an addict.

Aside from therapy and Al-Anon (or another “friends and family” support program), my suggestion is to love your daughter through this. Maintain frequent contact, spend time together, and maintain your relationship as well as you can, aside from her addiction. Offer her a judgment-neutral safe harbor so she won’t become isolated, and encourage her to seek treatment without letting her alcoholism become her primary identity in your relationship. Those are some things you can do for her.

For your own sake, you should maintain some boundaries. Don’t serve alcohol to her in your home. Don’t make excuses for her. Don’t let her alcoholism run your life. Offer to support her recovery, but don’t enable her addiction. Read, or reread, “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself,” by Melody Beattie (2022, Hazelden).

Dear Amy: My husband is a wonderful man. We’ve been married more than 40 years. He has children who are now in their 50s from a previous marriage, and we all get along great.

His two daughters are quite overweight. He wants to say something to them and perhaps incentivize them to lose weight by offering to pay for any remedies to get their weight-loss process going. I too have had a weight problem and have slowly lost 50 pounds over the past 10 years. I’ve been hoping to lead by example.

I think he’s making a mistake to bring weight up to his girls. But he says he’s their father and he needs to approach them for their health’s sake. What do you think?

— Wondering

Wondering: My standard reaction to this sort of question is always the same: Does your husband imagine that his adult daughters don’t know that they are overweight? We are surrounded by images of thinness and the shame of fatness. Weight loss remedies and now drugs like Ozempic are in the news every day. And yet an estimated 72 percent of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. As you know from your own experience, obesity is a lifelong social, personal, and health challenge.

Overall, obesity has been so stigmatized that, along with the stigma, it has been considered a taboo topic to discuss — because discussing it often highlights the pain and shame that some people with obesity internalize. This is a tough topic to bring up, but if your husband can do so in a loving, supportive and nonjudgmental way, he could try.

As someone who has fought your own battle with obesity, perhaps your husband could rehearse a conversation with you. Maybe it’s time to discuss obesity as a disease, instead of a character flaw.

Dear Amy: “ Puzzled Parents ” insisted that their daughter had to get As and Bs in college. I think you were off-base in calling this rule “dumb.”

College is ridiculously expensive. We told our daughters: “If I am getting out of bed every morning to earn money to pay your tuition, you are getting out of bed to go to class and get at least a B. Or you will foot that bill.” All four of our daughters were held to this standard. Not all of them believed us until they were due to pay their loans.

The thing is, college isn’t for everyone. And college isn’t for everyone aged 18. After a year, if the child/adult isn’t sure she can get good grades, she should be examining other life choices and education. These parents are not dumb or wrong, but trying to raise a responsible person.

— Not Puzzled

Not Puzzled : You make great points — thank you.

© 2024 by Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.

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