Obesity is a disease characterized by excessive body fat. It is caused by a wide range of factors including genetics, hormonal, environmental factors,nutritional imbalances and reduced physical activity.
Obesity increases the likelihood of certain diseases and other related health problems that can affect your quality of life and reduce your lifespan
Worldwide Overweight and Obesity Epidemic
In 2014, worldwide, more than 1.9 billion people were overweight, of which 600 million were obese. In Kenya, 20-30% of the population is overweight / obese.
What overweight and obesity does to your health
Below is a list of diseases associated with obesity.
| System | Condition |
| Cardiovascular |
|
| Pulmonary |
|
| Venous thromboembolic |
|
| Endocrine excluding reproductive |
|
| Gastro-intestinal |
|
| Dermatological |
|
| Genitourinary & reproductive |
|
| Musculoskeletal |
|
How overweight and obesity is graded
Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to indicate normal body weight index, overweight and obesity.
| Weight Category | BMI |
| Normal Weight | 18.9 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obesity Class I | 30 – 34.9 |
| Obesity Class II | 35 – 39.9 |
| Obesity Class III | Greater than 40 |
| Super Obesity | Greater than 50 |
| Extreme Obesity | Greater than 60 |