Obesity is a condition that is associated with having an excess of body fat defined by genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control when dieting. America is known to be one of the most obese countries in the world where a fast food restaurant can be spotted on every block.

Obesity is measured by numerous ways. The most common methods used are body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. BMI is a measurement used to indicate obesity and morbid obesity in adults. It is calculated by separating an individual’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared.  Waist circumference is a less-common method used to measure obesity in an individual.

For females, a waist circumference of 35 inches or greater is considered unhealthy. Moreover, men with a waist circumference of 40 inches are known to be unhealthy. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight, 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 and beyond is considered obese.

There are several common medical conditions that are associated with obesity, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and etc. Many causes contribute to obesity both directly and indirectly. The Centers for Disease Control has identified the three causes of obesity. Behavior, environment and genetics are among the key contributors.

Behavior plays a major role in developing obesity. Modifying these behaviors is one way to treat the disease, Such as, changing eating habits, increasing physical activity, understanding the different parts of the body and their functions, joining support group or participating in extracurricular activities, and most importantly, setting accurate weight management goals. Most people don’t realize the significance of making a solid commitment to changing a lifestyle. Therefore, they choose to quit which is painless and doesn’t require effort.

Fast food is an individual’s worst enemy, but unfortunately, this does not stop people from choosing to eat at a fast food place rather than homemade food. The reason is that fast food is fast, cheap and convenient. Most places have been sued for being the cause of peoples’ obesity. Still, the responsibility of obesity should be taken on by the people themselves; however, fast food companies should in fact take actions to reduce the number of these people by displaying their food’s calories, serving healthy food, and giving more choices.

Many people do not realize the damage obesity can do to the body and the overall health.  Obesity is roughly increasing and continues to rise unless the society is informed of how harmful it actually is. A healthy diet and exercising two to three times a week is the key to not becoming obese.  It is time to change the trend of obesity and start walking your way to health.