Obesity is generally caused by eating too much and moving too little. If you consume high amounts of energy, particularly fat and sugars, but don't burn off the energy through exercise and physical activity, much of the surplus energy will be stored by the body as fat.
Things you can do include:Eat five to six servings of fruits and vegetables daily. ... Choose whole grain foods such as brown rice and whole wheat bread. ... Weigh and measure food to gain an understanding of portion sizes. ... Balance the food "checkbook." ... Weigh yourself regularly.More items...
Here's what you can do to lose weight or avoid becoming overweight or obese:Eat more fruit, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.Exercise, even moderately, for at least 30 minutes a day.Cut down your consumption of fatty and sugary foods.Use vegetable-based oils rather than animal-based fats.
PreventionExercise regularly. You need to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain. ... Follow a healthy eating plan. ... Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat. ... Monitor your weight regularly. ... Be consistent.
Health Problems Linked to Obesity. Obesity in childhood can add up to health problems—often for life. In adults, overweight and obesity are linked to increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar), high blood pressure, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions.Feb 13, 2013
Dietary changes to treat obesity include:Cutting calories. The key to weight loss is reducing how many calories you take in. ... Feeling full on less. The concept of energy density can help you satisfy your hunger with fewer calories. ... Making healthier choices. ... Restricting certain foods. ... Meal replacements.
Excess pounds do more than increase your weight—they increase your risk of major health problems. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and depression. Fortunately, losing weight can reduce your risk of developing some of these problems.
If a person eats fewer calories than he or she metabolizes, he or she will lose weight. Therefore the most common causes of obesity are overeating and physical inactivity. Ultimately, body weight is the result of genetics, metabolism, environment, behavior, and culture. Genetics.
The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity. People who have obesity, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including the following: All-causes of death (mortality) High blood pressure (Hypertension)Jun 5, 2015