A study of the heredity of obesity

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.