Obesity

This passage discusses obesity and ways that person can become obese.

Lexile Level: 1080L

Categories: Sports & Health

Being overweight and being obese may be defined differently. Someone who is overweight may just weigh a few pounds more than what is considered normal for that person's age and height. Someone who weighs much more than what is considered normal for age and height may be considered obese, or extremely overweight. People gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn off. A person does not become obese in a short period of time. Overconsumption of calories leading to obesity usually takes years. A person's heredity can contribute to obesity, or it can be caused by physical illness, such as thyroid gland malfunction. Regardless of the cause, obesity can cause other health problems. It can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Over time, it can lead to many physical problems including depression and heart disease. With a doctor's advice, it is possible and important to prevent obesity by decreasing caloric intake and increasing physical activity.