Obesity: What It Is, Where It Comes From, and Why It’s Dangerous

What is obesity?

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. Doctors often use the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a reference:

normal — 18.5 to 24.9,
overweight — 25 to 29.9,
obesity — 30 and above.

But BMI is only a guideline. The location of fat matters too. The most dangerous type is visceral obesity, when fat surrounds internal organs like the liver, heart, and intestines.

Why does obesity develop?

It occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Causes are usually complex:

Overeating
- high-calorie food, fast food, sugary drinks;
- large portions, habit of eating everything on the plate.
Sedentary lifestyle
- desk jobs, cars instead of walking;
- lack of physical activity.
Genetics and heredity
- some people store fat more easily;
- higher risk if obesity runs in the family.
Hormonal and metabolic disorders
- thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance.
Psychological factors
- stress eating, anxiety, depression;
- lack of sleep (less sleep = bigger appetite).

Why is obesity dangerous?

It’s not just about appearance. Obesity increases the risk of:

Cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, heart attack, stroke.
Type 2 diabetes.
Fatty liver disease.
Sleep apnea.
Osteoarthritis.
Certain cancers.
Mental health issues: depression, low self-esteem, social isolation.

How to manage obesity?

Modern medicine suggests a comprehensive approach:

Dietary changes — reduce calories, eat more vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
Physical activity — at least 150 minutes per week.
Behavioral therapy — change eating habits, manage stress, get enough sleep.
Medication — prescribed by doctors in severe cases.
Surgery (bariatric procedures) — only as a last resort.

Prevention

balanced diet;
regular physical activity;
7–9 hours of sleep;
monitoring weight and waist circumference;
avoiding stress eating.

Conclusion

Obesity is not just “extra weight” — it’s a disease affecting the whole body. Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% significantly reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.