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Obesity

Obesity is defined as an excess of total body fat. While there are several accepted methods to determine total body fat, the most practical method is the Body Measurement Index (BMI). Though the relationship between BMI and the risk of other diseases varies from person to person, the general measurement can be used to predict risk with a large measure of accuracy.
During studies performed in recent years, it has been determined that physical obesity in the United States is steadily increasing. Weight gain occurs mainly in the young and middle-age populace and cut across all subgroups regardless of age, ethnicity, geographic location or socioeconomic background. Experts in the field tend to point to a more sedentary life style and poor eating habits as the underlying cause for the increase in obesity.
There are many health hazards associated with obesity. Cardiovascular

Disease such as Coronary Artery Disease and Congestive Heart Failure, high blood

pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, respiratory dysfunctions and certain forms of cancer

have all been linked to obesity. Obesity and weight gain positively increase the risk of

premature death.

Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a build up of plaque in the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Plaque is an excess of cholesterol, calcium and other substances that flow in the blood and over time, these substances build up on the inside walls of the coronary arties and other arties as well. When plaque builds up it is called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. The plaque build-up decreases the space in the arteries in which the blood flows. Poor blood flow or circulation to the heart deprives it of oxygen and causes chest pains or angina. When there is absolutely no blood flow to the heart it is called a heart attack. The blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that has formed over the plaque.
Some of the signs of cardiovascular...