In India, obesity is showing an increasing trend. An obese person is one who is overweight and has excess body fat. It is the abnormal accumulation of body fat then the ideal body weight. It gives rise to many health problems like diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea  among many others. The branch of medicine that deals with the  study and treatment of obesity is called Bariatrics.

One of the major causes of obesity is the change in diet from healthy food to junk food. There is no doubt that a  person's diet affects his overall health. The surge in fast food joints and restaurants has increased the consumption of fast food or junk food among people. Junk food refers to food that is high in calories, but low in nutritional value. They taste delicious and people are tempted to gorge on such food. 

The rise in income of the people have led them to lead an unhealthy lifestyle. People can now afford to go to restaurants very often. Families choose to go to restaurants because they are convenient, but at what cost?  Spare your body of the oil rich curries and  rotis made of maida and opt for healthier food. 

People also have irregular eating habits because of the stress and pressure of work. One must always follow regular eating hours. Allowing your body to go hungry because of the work deadlines and then later binge eating will only make the body store fat leading to obesity.

Parents can always choose the diet for their children. Making the kids aware of the ill effects of eating chips, fries, soft drinks and other such unhealthy foods will deter them from eating such food and enable them to choose wisely those food that are good for their overall development. Workshops can be held in schools to educate  children about healthy eating habits.

Another major cause of obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. With technology coming into our homes, children are hooked to televisions, mobiles and play stations. Parents should encourage their children to play sports and other outdoor games. Lack of physical activity makes a child dull and susceptible to illness. Schools should  make the student's participation in sports compulsory and large playground should be made mandatory in schools to create interest and enthusiasm in children for football, hockey basketball and such other sports. 

Sitting for hours, working on their laptops, also make people prone to various diseases including obesity. A daily routine incorporating at least half an hour of vigorous exercise should be made and followed religiously. One needs to take time out from their hectic schedule for yoga or exercise as they help our body to remain fit and healthy, unlike those who don't exercise and become obese. 

Obesity is an evil that is spreading its hood in our society and can be easily overcome by inculcating strict discipline in our lives towards our food and exercise.