Fat person

Fat person refers to an individual who has an excess amount of body fat. This condition is often quantified using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates the ratio of a person's weight to the square of their height. A BMI over 25 is considered overweight, while a BMI over 30 is classified as obese.

Definition and Classification

The term "fat" is often used colloquially to describe someone who is visibly overweight. Medically, individuals are classified based on their BMI:

• Overweight: BMI of 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI of 30 or higher
• Morbidly Obese: BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions

Causes

The primary causes of excess body fat include:

• Genetics: Genetic predisposition can affect how the body processes food and stores fat.
• Diet: High intake of calories, particularly from fast food, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods, contributes to weight gain.
• Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles reduce the amount of calories burned.
• Medical conditions: Some health issues, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lead to weight gain.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids, can cause significant weight gain as a side effect.

Health Risks

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of numerous health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers, such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer
• Stroke
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea

Management

Management of obesity and being overweight involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and sometimes surgical procedures:

• Dietary Changes: Adopting a healthy eating plan with reduced calorie intake.
• Physical Activity: Increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
• Behavioral Changes: Implementing behavioral strategies to help with weight management.
• Medications: Using prescription medications to manage obesity, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Surgery: In severe cases, bariatric surgery might be recommended to reduce stomach size or limit calorie absorption.

Social and Psychological Aspects

There are significant social and psychological impacts associated with being overweight. Individuals may experience stigma, discrimination, and reduced quality of life. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also more prevalent.

See Also

• Metabolic syndrome
• Childhood obesity
• Obesity epidemic