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The dictionary defines obesity as 'a condition in which the natural energy reserve of a human being which is stored in fat, is expanded far beyond usual levels to the point where it causes health stress'.

In actual parlance, the concept of obesity is being constantly redefined and the most common statistical measurement of obesity is the common Body Mass Index (BMI) which is freely available for reference online. The general standards set are as follows:

Guidelines on gauging BMI

If, after calculating the BMI according to the table available, it shows a person is over 25.0kg/m2, she is considered to be overweight, while a BMI of over 30.0kg is clearly indicative of obesity. Should the BMI calculated be 40.0kg/m2 the person is identified as an urgent morbidity risk. Generally, a BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered to be an ideal target for a healthy individual. Doctors may also use a simple measure of waist circumference to detect complications such as insulin resistance, or the skinfold test which measures a pinch of skin to find out the thickness of the underlying fat layer. These however, can be carried out and calculated only at a clinic whereas the BMI can be used anywhere and even by the lay public to ascertain the body condition with relation to fat.

Common causes of obesity

Obesity is generally a result of a combination of factors such as a predisposition because of genetic reasons, a highly energy-rich diet, a sedentary lifestyle which is due to the modern ways of life, binge " eating where people tend to resort to overeating to reduce anxiety levels, some underlying illness that hasn't been detected like hyperthyroidism, and even stress related causes.

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High energy and high calorie food is so easily available in the form of so-called energy drinks and fast food that has become ubiquitous even while sedentary lifestyles are seeing a decline in exercise time. It is said that abundance of money plays a very important part in this pattern of obesity as almost 30% of the wealthy among the general population is prone to this condition and is clearly in the risk zone of ill health. It is said that if the present trend continues, obesity is even likely to overtake smoking as the leading cause of death.

The temptations start early in life. Advertisements on television blatantly target children with their glossy attractive ads on unhealthy foods like fast foods and candy which are promoted by celebrities to add to the attraction. The microwave with its modern convenience of heating up frozen meals has only compounded the problem of unhealthy snacking. Fast food joints have mushroomed everywhere and the penetration is even in tier"2 and tier"3 cities.

Combat obesity

Gyms and fitness points have appeared almost on every street to cater to the demands of the health conscious public. Most people join these hoping to lose weight but get discouraged soon when there is no obvious change in their appearance. Quick results are what people want and this is where they err. Taking off excess weight is a cumbersome process that must be spread over a period of time for the results to show. Those who begin to workout and suddenly stop halfway are at greater risk of ending up fatter than those who never exercise. Crash diets almost always end up with people going on binge diets with a vengeance when they feel that it has not helped them to get rid of obesity. It is important that one does not have a totally sedentary lifestyle and instead takes up some form of exercise on a regular basis " even brisk walks are known to be highly beneficial.