Obesity is considered to be an excessive proportion of body fat, measured as a body mass index (BMI) over 30. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, gallbladder disease, sleep apnoea, cancer and osteoarthritis. Obesity is now considered to be a chronic disease involving social, cultural, behavioural, and psychosocial factors. It has reached epidemic proportions in America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The path to permanent weight loss requires major lifestyle changes (diet, nutrition), exercise and behavioural modifications.
Cause: poor diet and eating habits, lack of exercise, glandular malfunction, diabetes, hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia.
Who to consult: Dietician, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, pharmacist, physical therapist, psychologist, yoga practitioner.
