What is Obesity?

Obesity is one of the most stigmatized topics in public health. You’ve probably heard of the word, but what does it actually mean, and how does it affect your health?

Definition

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by having an excessive amount of body fat, increasing their risk of further health problems. More important than how someone looks, it is about how it affects what happens in your body.

Doctors often use the BMI, or Body Mass Index as a quick screening tool. BMI is a number that tells you how much you weigh, relative to your height. This is found by dividing your weight in kg by your height in meters, squared. For adults:

• A BMI under 18.5 is underweight

• A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is normal weight

• A BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight

• A BMI of 30+ is obese

BMI does not tell you everything about your health. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or where the body stores its fat. It is important to see a doctor for a more accurate assessment of your health.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity is caused by more than just eating extra or not getting enough exercise. Here are some of the main causes:

• Genetics: Your genes, passed down from your parents, influence how your body stores fat and regulates appetite

• Diet: Regularly eating foods high in calories, sugar, and saturated fats can contribute to obesity

• Physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle reduces how many calories your body burns

• Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite

• Stress: Chronic stress can trigger overeating and excess fat storage

• Environment: Living in areas without grocery stores, safe parks, or affordable exercise facilities can make it harder to make healthy choices

• Medical conditions: Hypothyroidism, PCOS, and some medications can contribute to weight gain

Why does it matter?

• Caring excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, raises the risk of serious health conditions including:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Sleep apnea

  • Joint pain

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Certain cancers

  • Mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety

Obesity is NOT a personal failure

One of the most important things to understand is that obesity is a health condition, not a personal flaw. Many factors are outside an individual’s control, including genetics, environment, income, and access to healthcare. Blaming people for  their weight ignores many real factors contributing to obesity, and causes stigmatization of obesity.

What can be done?

Small, consistent changes can make a real difference in someone’s health. These include eating more whole foods, moving your body regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and seeking support when needed.

Mindful Munchers is here to provide help and resources in understanding the journey for a healthier body.