Custom «What the Obesity Is» Essay Paper Sample

Obesity occurs when excess body fats accumulate in the body to levels which affect the normal functioning of the body. This condition if not dealt with can lead to increased health problems and low life expectancy. The World Health Organization predicts that obesity and overweight will soon replace the common health concerns of public such as malnutrition and infectious diseases as it may become the main cause of poor health (WHO, 2009). The reason behind these concerns is the fact that obesity increases the chances of contracting other diseases such as cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the indicators used tofind out whether an individual’s weight is within the accepted norms. Comparison between weight and height measurements is the method of calculation of the ratio. Those with BMI between 25 and 30 Kg/m² classify as overweight or pre-obese. BMI of 30 Kg/m² and above lies in the obese category. It is also worth noting that the most affected regions include North America, Europe, and Australia. These regions became adversely affected due to low costs of food brought about by the production techniques and agricultural policy. In the United States, processed and fast food is cheaper, due to the high subsidies allocated by the U.S Farm Bill (Pollan, 2007).

Apart from the above mentioned reasons, Other than the causes named above, there are other causes of obesity such as diet. Most of those affected are victims of overeating. Increasing the number of calories consumed, beyond the quantity required by the body, causes obesity. Other contributing factors associated with obesity include consuming excess amounts of high energy fast foods and lack of regular physical exercise. Lifestyle is quickly changing, and the availability of machines makes people’s work easier. Children do not lead any physical activity and, therefore, spend too much time watching television. Drugs such as mental illness drugs can also cause obesity. Finally, environmental factors also play a crucial role in promoting obesity.