Assessing the Causative Factors and Nutritional Profile of Selected Obese Subjects

Abstract

Prevalence of obesity, aptly described as a genetic misfortune, has reached epidemic dimensions worldwide and is continuing to rise at an alarming rate even in developing countries where human hunger is the other side of the coin. It is estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide are obese. According to Koon prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in India are 12.8 and 10.3 per cent respectively. Diet, eating pattern, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyles, environmental factors, alcohol consumption and psychological factors contribute to obesity. This global epidemic is related to increased mortality and morbidity rates with excess body fat being a significant risk factor for a number of chronic disorders such as CVD, NIDDM, gout, gall stones, intestinal blockage, kidney disease, sleep apnea, hernia and arthritis.