Obesity is often used for comic effect but the actual definition of condition of being obese is increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat. Calculating Body Mass Index or BMI can determine the difference between overweight and obese by using height and weight of a particular person. Both terms are considered beyond the weight that is considered healthy for a given height. BMI categories are:

Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Childhood obesity has grown considerably in recent years. Roughly 30% of adolescents are obese due to lack of exercise and poor diet. Among the risks from being obese are diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping and increased risk of heart disease not to mention low self-esteem that can arise from being overweight or obese. Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80% chance of becoming an obese adult. Obesity can be caused by many different and complex factors including biological, genetic and behavioral. Managing obesity must start with determining which factor category you or your child fits in, then start a weight-management program, changing eating habits and increasing physical activity are the perfect start. Obese women have a higher chance of dieing from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix and ovaries than non-obese women. Obesity can also lead to an increased risk of many obstetric and gynecological complications for women. These include infertility, abnormal menstruation and miscarriage and birth problems for both mother and child.

The term morbid obesity is defined as a disease of excess body fat, which can adversely affect general health, mobility and quality of life. Persons with morbid obesity are typically about 100 pounds overweight and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. Statistics indicate that over 60 million American adults are morbidly obese, with a BMI of 40 or more, while another 9.6 million have a BMI of 35-40. The Health risks associated with Morbid Obesity are significantly higher than being obese and are a huge risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, respiratory problems and some cancers.

Diet and exercise are the best ways to combat obesity. Changing eating habits, less snacking and making healthier choices are also needed to make changes to your weight and health. Don't be taken in by those "fad diets" and metabolism stimulators. Weight Loss takes some work and effort on your part but the results are worth it. When looking at morbid obesity you might want to consult with a doctor about the possibility of Bariatric services. Bariatric medical weight loss programs are for those people with serious weight problems, which do not respond to diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery also is performed for those unable to loose weight by more conventional means. This includes stomach resection, lipectomy (surgical removal of fat) and liposuction. Therefore should not be used lightly.