It is excessive accumulation of fat. It’s a disease and not simply excess weight.

Its most “uncool” to be fat. As we get old we give up all physical activities and accumulate fat. The best way to keep a check on excess weight so that it does not become harmful it is an imperative to quantify obesity. The best way is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in Kilograms with the square of your height in metres. Compare your BMI to standard Asian BMI guidelines to take the necessary steps and cure yourself of Obesity. If your BMI is more than 28 you are in trouble. Click here to calculate your BMI.

Obesity leads to osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, cardiac problems, sleep disorders like snoring, gasping for breath, headaches in the mornings, and cancer of breast, colon, prostrate, skin infections and endocrine disorders. Added to these ailments an obese person suffers from psychological and social problems.

To fight obesity decrease energy intake and increase energy output. Reduce the size of each meal and cut down on carbohydrates and fats.

There are drugs to decrease appetite but drugs can reduce only 10 percent of excess weight and are not recommended for long term use. Gastric banding can reduce the size of the stomach and “bariatric” surgery which decreases stomach size and length of intestines, is an obesity treatment that is new in India.

Prevention is better than cure for obesity as with any other disease. Controlling the quantity of food intake and eating the right foods together with exercising every day combined with a regimen of swimming and playing vigorous games like tennis or squash or simply walking briskly an hour every morning or evening is the best way to prevent obesity.