The other pandemic: Tackling the obesity health crisis

An obese person seated at te airport. [Getty Images]

Globally, millions of people struggle with obesity. In the United States alone, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death. Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.

Obesity is not simply caused by overeating or an unhealthy diet and lack of physical exercise, but a complex condition whereby different factors play a role in how the body regulates weight. These contributory factors include, among others, age-related changes, genetic factors, disordered eating, sleep deficits, physical disability, and increased sedentary time.