Midwifery and Womens Health

Obesity

Obesity is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the body due to which it can have adverse health effects. In general, obesity is classified as 30 kg/m2 or more with a body mass index (BMI). The range of 2530 kg/m2 BMI is considered in US. Having excess weight and accumulation of fat at the unwanted places of the body is defined as overweight. Some East Asian countries use lower values of BMI to indicate obesity. Obesity has been linked to a variety of diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain cancers and osteo-arthritis. Although high BMI is a risk indicator, it has not been shown to be a direct cause of disease due to diet, physical activity, and environmental factors. An inverse relationship was found where obesity increased the risk of clinical depression and depression increased the risk of developing obesity.

Related Societies/ Associations: Medical Oncology Group of Australia | The Endocrine Society of Australia | Federation of Swiss Women's Associations | International Caesarean Awareness Network | Canadian Association of Midwives | Human Genetics Society of Australasia | | The American Urogynecologic Society