The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. One in three Americans is obese. Obesity is also increasing rapidly throughout the world, and the incidence of obesity has nearly doubled form 1991 to 1998. The definition of obesity varies depending on what one reads, but in general, it is a chronic condition defined by an excess amount body fat. A certain amount of body fat is necessary for storing energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and other functions.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration; it is a dire health dilemma directly harmful to one's health. In the United States, roughly 300,000 deaths per year are directly related to obesity, and more than 80% of these deaths are in patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 30. Obesity also increases the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases including Insulin Resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, cancer, gallstones, gout and gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and Pickwickian syndrome.