Obesity, in its simplest form, can be defined as a condition that occurs due to accumulation of excess fat in the body. It is one of the leading causes of several health conditions all over the world, specially in the USA. Along with adults, childhood obesity is also one of the major concerns in developed nations of the world. One may not be aware, but, obesity and the complications arising from it can also lead to death. Causes Modern-day sedentary lifestyle is the most prominent reasons for obesity. Lack of exercise and physical activity leads to excess accumulation of fat in the body. This occurs because the excess calories and fats do not get burnt regularly. On the other hand, improper diet, wrong eating habits, eating junk or fast food, heredity, genes, psychological factors, etc., are the other possible causes. Effects Heart Diseases Obesity is one of the major causes of heart diseases. It leads to hypertension or high blood pressure, and indirectly to heart diseases. Secondly, it also increases cholesterol levels. As obesity is the root cause of many other medical conditions, it is believed to indirectly result in heart diseases and even death. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results in the complete breakdown of cartilage in joints. It is usually found in middle-aged people. Obesity is one of the reasons for osteoarthritis as the excess weight exerts excess pressure on the joints, specially the knee joints, and wears them away. Diabetes There is also a co-relation between obesity and diabetes. When a person is obese, the extra weight affects the body's ability to control blood sugar using insulin. This makes the person prone to type 2 diabetes. Apart from these, health effects of obesity also include possibility of a stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, gout, gallbladder disease, reproductive complications, breathing difficulties, urinary incontinence, etc., and other psychological effects like depression, low confidence, low self-esteem, introversion, etc. One may also suffer from day-to-day issues related to obesity like difficulty in movement, discrimination, and isolation, etc. If one wishes to prevent the aforementioned consequences, weight loss is the only effective method. Having a nutritious and balanced diet and exercising regularly helps in losing weight. Lastly, as a concluding note, one should remember the old clichéd saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Take care! Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.