It is indeed shocking to record the tremendous upward trend in the prevalence of obesity over the last two decades in children and adults. In a world where people are becoming more conscious of their appearance, the spread of a disease traditionally considered connected with feelings of low self-esteem and loss of personal attractiveness, is a surprise. Does it imply that certain factors beyond human control are working towards the spread of obesity? It may also suggest that increased pressures to maintain an aesthetic appeal may sometimes be too stifling and cause a rebellion that promotes a bohemian lifestyle, where the parameters of healthy eating and drinking show no constraints.

Obesity-the biggest challenge to the health of the worlds population is becoming a major health hazard in the twenty first century. It has spread like a major epidemic around the world, even in those countries that are essentially considered to be free body fat. Nor is this disease restricted to adults. The numbers of children who suffer from obesity have become manifold in the last two decades, with certain countries like America recording an abnormally high percentage of obese children.

It is a scary thought but obese people are at risk for a number of debilitating and life threatening diseases. The most common affliction of obesity is hypertension that can be aggravated into coronary heart disease by a condition known as Dyslipidemia. This disease is an accumulation of high levels of triglycerides or high total cholesterol. Obesity can also be the cause of diabetes, gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, menstrual problems and cancers of the colon, breast and endometrial.