OBESITY

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. It can also be described as the increase im weight beyond that considered desired with regard to age, height and bone structure. Though more common in developed countries, its prevalence is on the increase in Africa. Obesity has adverse effects on health as it increases the risk, the average man or woman does not want to be called fat. Some even see it as being derogated and prefer to be described as being 'on the big side'.
What causes obesity?
Fat accumulates in the body when the discrepancy between energy consumption(food) and energy expenditure(physical activities) is too wide for the body to adjust favourably. Such left over energy is converted to fat and stored in the body especially in the buttocks and abdomen. When this occurs over a long period of time, obesity ensues. With the socio economic growth being experienced in Nigeria, more people now have sedentary lifestyles. Also a lot of unhealthy food are now being incorporated into our diet. These factors are the reasons for the increasing prevalence of obesity and its com morbidities in our society. There is also a genetic influence on obesity as some certain genes have been discovered to promote obesity e.g some genes cause excessive appetite. It should however be noted that in minority of cases, obesity is as a result of certain diseases like hypothyroidism and brain tumours. Even the use of Oral contraceptive pills promote obesity. Obesity in these cases are reversible(treatment of the diseases/halt in the cause of the contraceptive pills...)

How can obesity be identified? 

One can surely identify if a person is fat. Obesity however can be objectively identified by estimation of the body max index.

How can it be controlled? 

Eat diets low in fat but high in starch
Have a regular eating habit and avoid excessive snacking and alcohol intake.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle by exercising regularly... Thank you....
@hive-homeland