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Definition of Obese (Severe Excess Body Fat)ObesityDefinition of ObeseTo most people, the term "obesity" means to be very overweight. Health experts define "overweight" as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. By contrast, "obesity" specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat. Some people, such as bodybuilders or other athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight without being obese. A Worldwide Health ProblemObesity is increasing world-wide and is set to become the world's biggest health problem. Obesity rates in underdeveloped countries are also rising. Recent reports suggest that obesity may soon overtake cigarette smoking as a serious health risk. Obesity Levels in USAIn America, 58 million adults are overweight; 40 million are obese and 3 million suffer from life-threatening obesity. Furthermore, 8 out of 10 over 25's are overweight and there has been a 76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults 30-40 yrs old since 1990. Obesity Levels in the UKIn the UK, nearly two-thirds of men and over half of all women are now overweight - and 1 in 5 are obese (at least 30-45 pounds overweight). The level of obesity has tripled in the past 20 years, and is still rising. At this rate, by 2010 at least 1 in 4 adults will be obese. Overweight and obesity is rising amongst children too. European and Australian obesity figures are also high (see Obesity table, below). Obesity Among Population GroupsThere are socioeconomic and ethnic differences in the prevalence of obesity. There is a higher level of obesity in the more deprived groups. This should be considered when planning obesity prevention and treatment interventions. Studies have shown that weight loss and prevention of weight regain are less effective in lower income groups. Obesity and HealthThese weight statistics are alarming because overweight, and especially obesity, increase our risk of many health problems. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, back and joint pain, osteoarthritis, infertility, breathlessness, depression, snoring and difficulty sleeping - to mention a few. Being obese is not a cosmetic issue, it is a serious health issue. Obesity-related disease is a major cause of premature death. In fact, a high profile report from the US National Audit Office, concluded that obesity can shave an average of 9 years from our life span. Obesity and Weight Loss Drugs ResearchObesity is becoming the "trillion dollar disease". This reflects the social costs of obesity, in health and lost production, as well as the weight loss drug profits that might be made for any pharmaceutical company that finds a drug-cure for obesity. The search for viable weight loss medications continues, although pharmaceutical weight loss products still have significant side effects. Obesity - How to Reduce itAt present, government weight control advice focuses on the need for education about nutrition and healthy food choices, together with an emphasis on more physical activity. But given the huge rise in fast food eating habits, supersize food portions and increased sedentary leisure, whether this approach to weight control and obesity works, only time will tell. UK Obesity Research
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