Changes

'''Obesity''' is a medical classification regarding an extreme and unhealthy level of excessive body weight. It is a more serious classification on the [[Body Mass Index]] (BMI) scale than ''overweight''. In addition, the term obese can be used in a more general way to simply mean the "excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body".<ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obesity?show=0&t=1293887890</ref> Some consequences of medical obesity include Type 2 [[diabetes]], strain on joints, and an increased risk of [[stroke]] and [[heart attack]]. Obesity has become more common in the [[United States]] and is increasing in many developed countries.

'''Obesity''' is a medical classification regarding an extreme and unhealthy level of excessive body weight. It is a more serious classification on the [[Body Mass Index]] (BMI) scale than ''overweight''. From a medical perspective, an [[obese]] person has accumulated enough body fat that it can have a negative effect on their health. If a person's weight is at least 20% higher than it should be, he/she is generally considered obese. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9 you are considered overweight. If your BMI is 30 or over you are considered obese.<ref>http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/obesity/</ref> In addition, the term obese can be used in a more general way to simply mean the "excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body".<ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obesity?show=0&t=1293887890</ref> Some consequences of medical obesity include Type 2 [[diabetes]], strain on joints, and an increased risk of [[stroke]] and [[heart attack]]. Obesity has become more common in the [[United States]] and is increasing in many developed countries.

Obesity has many causes, including some that are choice and controllable such as sinful overeating ([[gluttony]]) and/or lack of exercise.  It can also be caused by improper hormone production or other malfunctions of various brain structures, including in particular the [[hypothalamus]] (site of the reward pathways, [this action=release of serotonin=feeling of pleasure]) and [[thyroid]] gland.

Obesity has many causes, including some that are choice and controllable such as sinful overeating ([[gluttony]]) and/or lack of exercise.  It can also be caused by improper hormone production or other malfunctions of various brain structures, including in particular the [[hypothalamus]] (site of the reward pathways, [this action=release of serotonin=feeling of pleasure]) and [[thyroid]] gland.