One in every three Americans are now considered to be overweight and obese. This can be seen as an alarming rate when one thinks about it, since being overweight and obese is not just about the issue of appearance in our society but a serious health issue that can seriously affect a person's health. Although both these conditions have similar concepts, being overweight is different from obesity. Overweight people are the ones who weigh too much, while obesity means that a person has too much body fat that is already considered to be a health risk. Both weight conditions refer to weight that comes from bone, muscle, fat, and the amount of body water that a person carries.

A person who is overweight and obese usually have overweight or obese parents, too. Scientific evidence suggests that obesity is genetic, or runs in the family, so to speak. The environment also plays a role in developing obesity or being overweight. People are now gaining weight because of the food they eat. Eating choices like fast food burgers and fries that are equally high in fat and eating it in front of the television would not make the person burn all the calories needed to sustain the right weight. High calorie, low nutrient snacks and beverages, big portions of food, and a less than active lifestyle can also contribute to being overweight and obese. Sometimes, people turn to food for emotional comfort. When they feel stressed, sad, anxious, upset or even bored, they tend to eat more than usual, and they often eat more than what they need to consume.

Being overweight and obese is not just a cosmetic issue, but a health dilemma directly harmful to a person's health. These conditions increase the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases including hypertension, Type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, congestive heart failure, gallstones, gout, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, fatty liver, depression, and other diseases.

For this reason, many people turn to anti-obesity drugs to eliminate their body fats as fast as possible. These medications are specially formulated for people who are either overweight or obese, and is medically prescribed only in cases where weight loss is needed to prevent further life-threatening diseases. Such anti-obesity drugs like Orlistat, Rimonabant, Metformin, Sibutramine, and Xenical have certain ingredients that would help induce the appropriate weight loss. Such mechanisms include the suppression of one's appetite, increasing the body's metabolism, and interfering with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients in food. However, these anti obesity drugs also have side effects that can be risky to one's health. It is important to consult with the doctor before taking any of these anti-obesity drugs.

A healthier way to gradually decrease one's weight is to simply have self-control. Make a simple plan that would eventually limit one's food intake, like cutting back on those sugary beverages and junk food. If eating, make sure to pass up on second servings, and eat the right amount of fat and carbohydrates. By exercising even for just ten minutes a day, or by brisk walking, one can burn out the calories and help improve one's health. Do not forget to ask for help and support from friends and family, since this can boost one's confidence in to achieving their desired body weight.