Overweight and obesity are the result of a “calorie imbalance”. This occurs when too few calories consumed relative to the amount of calories consumed and affected by various genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than they can burn, which is usually due to overeating and lack of exercise. A person is considered obese when their weight is 20% or more above their normal weight. Children over 2 years old and adolescents at or above the 95th percentile are considered obese. Factors that cause obesity include age, sex, disease, environmental factors, physical activity, medications, genetics and psychological factors. As you age, your body's ability to metabolize food slows down and you don't need as many calories to maintain your weight. Additionally, women tend to become more obese than men because men have a higher resting metabolic rate, meaning men burn more calories at rest. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, depression, and some rare brain diseases can lead to overeating. Even a person's environment plays a significant role in obesity. Environmental factors such as what a person eats or their activity level. Obesity and thinness tend to be hereditary. In fact, if your birth mother is obese as an adult, there's a 75% chance you will be. Psychological factors influence eating habits and obesity. Many people eat in response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger. Additionally, people who have difficulty managing their weight may face greater emotional and psychological problems: approximately 30% of people who seek treatment have difficulty overeating. Binge eating is when people eat large quantities...... middle of paper ...... y. A comprehensive and effective program will focus on overall health and long-term weight goals, focus on cardio-metabolic risk reduction, and draw on a biological, behavioral, and psychological evidence base. Diet promoters who are serious about reducing obesity in their population should view obesity as a chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease, which requires intensive support from specialized health coaches and clinicians. Obesity is a destructive health issue and needs to raise awareness in our community. Obesity can be treated, cured and help others around us. Ending obesity will help create a strong structure for a new and healthier society. We don't want to increase health risks to put our bodies and lives at risk, do we? So get active, talk to a doctor, and live a better life with your family and friends by your side..