Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance in the body. The
body needs a certain amount of energy (calories) from food to keep up basic
life functions. Body weight tends to remain the same when the number of
calories eaten equals the number of calories the body uses or “burns.” Over
time, when people eat and drink more calories than they burn, the energy
balance tips toward weight gain, overweight, and obesity.
Children need to balance their energy, too, but they are also growing and that should be considered as well. Energy balance in children happens when the amount of energy taken in from food or drink and the energy being used by the body support natural growth without promoting excess weight gain.
Many factors can lead to energy imbalance and weight gain. They include genes, eating habits, how and where people live, attitudes and emotions, life habits, and income.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. Obesity is the largest cause of heart disease.
Children need to balance their energy, too, but they are also growing and that should be considered as well. Energy balance in children happens when the amount of energy taken in from food or drink and the energy being used by the body support natural growth without promoting excess weight gain.
Many factors can lead to energy imbalance and weight gain. They include genes, eating habits, how and where people live, attitudes and emotions, life habits, and income.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. Obesity is the largest cause of heart disease.
People who are overweight or obese are at risk of having
several health problems such as:
•type 2 diabetes
•heart disease
•high blood pressure
•nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (excess fat and inflammation in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol)
•osteoarthritis (a health problem causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints)
•some types of cancer: breast, colon, endometrial (related to the uterine lining), and kidney
•stroke
•type 2 diabetes
•heart disease
•high blood pressure
•nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (excess fat and inflammation in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol)
•osteoarthritis (a health problem causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints)
•some types of cancer: breast, colon, endometrial (related to the uterine lining), and kidney
•stroke
Obesity Related Health Problems in Different Parts of the Body