When the greatest distance between
a couple is a
small paunch.

Obesity is a condition, not a disease, it happens when abnormally large amounts of fat get deposited into the storage depots of the body. Even a 10% increase over normal body weight, for a particular height and age is considered obese. It results from a complex interplay of genetic, cultural, psychological and individual causes, which are difficult to define. It generally happens when the caloric balance is disturbed. ('Calories in' must balance 'calories out'.) Appetite and activity are the chief factors that regulate the caloric balance.

Cause ::
Include encephalitis, head injuries, abnormal ties of endocrine glands, diminished function of the thyroid gland, lowered functioning of the reproductive glands, increased activity of the adrenal cortex, eating the wrong food at the wrong time, etc. Conditions associated with obesity are cardiovascular and coronary artery disease, diabetes, varicose, veins, etc.

Treatment ::
The right diagnosis is essential. Get a phased diet plan from your doctor and discuss the progress periodically. Rapid weight loss programmes can be dangerous. Do light but regular workouts.