Obesity is a complex and widespread health condition that affects millions of people around the world. Defined as having an excessive amount of body fat, obesity is often measured using the **Body Mass Index (BMI)**, a tool that calculates body fat based on an individual’s height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. While some body fat is essential for energy storage and protecting vital organs, too much fat can lead to a range of health problems.
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity is often the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Let’s break down the key causes:
1 Poor Diet
One of the most significant contributors to obesity is an unhealthy diet. Diets that are high in **calories**, **sugar**, and **unhealthy fats** contribute to weight gain. Processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food are often loaded with these ingredients, making it easy to consume more calories than the body needs.
High-Calorie Foods: Junk foods, like chips, burgers, and pizza, are energy-dense and can easily lead to excess calorie intake.
– **Sugary Beverages**: Drinks like soda, sweetened juices, and energy drinks provide a large amount of sugar and calories without making you feel full.