Introduction

Obesity is a significant and complicated problem in our world. It is simply defined as an extreme excess of body fat. This is commonly measured using Body Mass Index (BMI) - a standardized calculation of weight versus height that allows for quick determination of people's weight status. If someone's BMI is 25 or larger, then that person would be classified as overweight. If their BMI is 30 or more, they would be classified as obese. This is occasionally an inaccurate measure - for example, my Dad's BMI classifies him as obese (greater than 30), but that categorization does not reflect his health status. He has a large frame and muscular build, and so his weight results in an increased BMI. He does not have any of the medical complications associated with obesity, nor does he look typically obese.

Obesity has many complex social implications. In a nation with abundant food and poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, fat-shaming and bullying, body image issues and eating disorders, there are no easy answers. The health conditions associated with obesity put immense strain on our medical system and shortened countless lives. Yet because food is so intrinsically linked with culture, present at every celebration and party, it is not easy to comprehend how to eat less without feeling distanced from normalcy.

The purpose of this blog is to explore obesity in all this complexity, and attempt to explain the facts straight-forward terms. I'll discuss how prevalent obesity is, what causes it, what it does to the body, and how it is treated. I also hope to consider social implications throughout, because this significant and complicated problem impacts people in more ways than just physical.