Publisher's Synopsis
INTRODUCTION
1.1 OBESITY
In its simplest sense, obesity can be defined as a condition of excessive fat accumulation
to the extent that health may be impaired. Obesity reflects a continual positive energy
balance, in which energy intake consistently exceeds energy output and where
undesirable weight gain occurs. Although a common feature in obese individuals is an
increase in body fat, the degree of excess fat and its distribution within the body varies
considerably between obese individuals.
Depending upon the quantity of fat and place of depositions, obesity can be categorized
as:
1) General obesity
2) Regional obesity
General obesity is basically an overall increase in the body fat. Regional obesity, on other
hand is defined as "Android" and "Gynoid" on the basis of the place of deposition of fat
(Hartz et al, 1984). The excessive deposition of visceral fat in abdominal region is called
as "Android type" or "Abdominal" or "Apple shaped" obesity whereas the deposition of
excess body fat on the hips, buttocks and thighs is known as "Gynoid type" or "Pear
shaped" obesity. Vague (1953) was the first to point out that "Android" or centralised
obesity was more closely associated with diabetes, gout, and atherosclerosis than the
more peripheral "Gynoid" obesity.
HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF OBESITY
Obesity is associated with numerous health problems including impaired physical
function and quality of life, development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia,
and CVD (Kopelman,1992). Of particular importance for cardiometabolic disease is the
increase in abdominal obesity that occurs with advancing age. The two fat depots.
