Obesity is a chronic disease involving an excess of body fat. It can lead to many health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and even some cancers as well as hindering ordinary bodily functions.

The most common way to identify someone as being obese is through Body Mass Index (BMI). To calculate your BMI, take your weight in pounds and multiply by 703. Then divide by your height in inches and then divide again by your height in inches. Obese people have a BMI of 30 or higher. Circumference of your waist can also be a rough guide with over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women being associated with weight related health problems.

Despite some metabolic, hormonal and genetic influence on heavy weight gain, obesity is mostly caused by consuming more calories than you burn off through physical activity. Obesity is an increasing problem because we consume more high sugar, high calorie food and have a more sedentary lifestyle than in previous generations. Eating a healthy balanced diet and getting more exercise can, therefore, help you avoid obesity.

Some medications can aid weight loss, however these should be used alongside lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and increased exercise.