Are you obese? Body Mass Index, or BMI, is used to measure obesity. Prior to 2005, once your BMI hit 30 or higher, you are no doubt obese. But since 2005, World Health Organization (WHO) has revised the BMI for obesity level downwards for Asians because of their smaller frames. Now, an Asian is considered an obese if his BMI is 27.5 and above. This implies that an Asian has increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at low BMI levels.

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms over the square of your height in metres. Weighing heavy does not necessarily leads to obesity. Look at the heavyweights - their weights came from their muscle mass. Of course for us as common people, heavy weight means overweight!

The logic is simple: if we consume more calories than we use, the excess calories are stored in our bodies as fat. When you are obese, it simply means you are carrying too much fat in your body. Therefore, obese people run a higher risk of suffering from high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Many factors contribute to weight gain. They affect the way your body burns calories, thereby causing you to gain weight or not.

Lifestyle

Our long working hours and other commitments often becomes our excuses not to cook nutritious meals. Instead we head for the nearest fast food outlet or food center even though we know these prepared foods are often high in fats and calorie and the portion sizes are usually too large. On top of that, many of us lack exercise which is vital to burn away the excess calories. The end result: the excess calories turn into fat.

Psychological factors

Some people over-eat to cope with emotions problems such stress, depression or boredom.

Genetics

Your genes actually affect the amount of body fat you store and where the fat is distributed. Take a look at your parents - are they obese?

Age

Our muscle mass decreases with age. We also become less active. This in turn leads to a decrease in metabolism and calorie needs. Therefore, if we do not reduce our caloric intake as we age, we will most likely gain weight. Medical Problems

Problems like low thyroid function, arthritis, excess production of hormones by the adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome) or other hormonal balances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Alcohol

It's no myth drinking will make you fat. Think about this - one regular beer is about 150 calories.

If you need some help with your obesity problem, approach a qualified doctor who may recommend the following treatments:

1. Mesotherapy

Painless procedure whereby the mesoactive substance are injected into the targeted body areas such as tummy, thighs, hips and arms. The mesoactive ingredients will stimulate the metabolism of fat cells and accelerate their elimination.

2. Carboxytherapy

Get rid of ugly cellulite by improving local tissue metabolism and perfusion. This is done by injecting carbon dioxide using a tiny needle about 0.3mm in diameter. This is rapid, comfortable and effective for most patients.

3. Liposuction

This procedure can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas including chin, cheeks and neck. Usually used for stubborn areas that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

4. Abdominoplasty

Known as "tummy tuck", it is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of abdominal wall. It can effectively reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen but it does leave a permanent surgical scar.

Whichever treatment you choose, you still have to ensure a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep the weight off. Visit www.ionehealth.com for some tips on healthy diet and exercise programs.