Aqila Tasneem obesityThis termderives from the Latin (obesus, meaning "to eat up"), and it cameinto use in English in the
early 1600s toObesity means a conditioncharacterized by excessive bodily fat. Excess body weight is associated withthe increased storage of energy in the form of adipose tissue. Standardcriteria for obesity are (1)
greater than 20 percent above ideal body weight(IDW) for a given height, as determined from actuarial tables, or (2) body massindex (BMI), defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared(kg ÷ m2 = BMI), greater than 27 for men and greater than 25 for women.... Being overweight to a statistically significant above-
average degree or havingproportionately more body fat than average is believed to be due primarily togenetic factors that influence appetite, metabolism, and activity levels. Mostnotably, obesity is more prevalent (ten times more likely) in persons whoseparents, brothers, or sisters are obese. Studies in identical twins have clearly demonstrated thatgenetics plays a major role. For example, nonidentical twins raised togetherwere less similar in weight than identical twins raised apart.... Beyond the genetic component, researchers have been examining the role ofhormones, most specifically leptin, a hormone secreted by fat tissue thataffects the brain's appetite control centers. Leptin research continues sincesolid findings could help in the treatment and prevention of obesity anddiseases and health problems linked to obesity, such as hypertension, stroke,and type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus). The prevalence of obesity varies remarkably across ethnic groups and cultures,and across age groups. Some researchers and clinicians see similarities amongcertain patterns of overeating and other excessive behaviors such as drinkingtoo much ALCOHOL, compulsive GAMBLING, engaging in "too much" sexualactivity, and even exercising compulsively. Although there may be suchsimilarities, the semantics attached to problems of overeating and OBESITY areformidable. Not all persons whose weight is above average are obese ; not all who are obeseeat excessively; not all who eat excessively become obese; and some individualswho have clinically recognized disorders centered on eating and body weight,such as BULIMIA, may or may not be obese.....