OBESITY AND ITS RELATION TO HEALTH AND DISEASE

There are many indications that overweight is becoming increasingly important in medical practice, and a growing segment of the public is concerned about their weight.

Abstract

One of the subtler and more serious health hazards of our time is obesity. It develops so gradually and under such pleasurable circumstances that treatment is often difficult. The victim, feeling hopelessly trapped in his own fat, tends to rationalize his condition. Not only can obesity become a physical impediment in itself, but it may predispose its victims to heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and other complications. There are many indications that overweight is becoming increasingly important in medical practice. More men and women are living to the ages in which adipose tissue is easy to acquire and difficult to lose. The high level of national income has permitted many persons to indulge their desire for food and drink, and too often this means high calory foods. Recently, the high cost of first-class protein foods has favored increased carbohydrate intake. On the other hand, a growing segment of the public