Obesity is a common problem in the United States, and all over the world. It is estimated that more than one-third of adults (72 million people) and 17 percent of children in the United States are obese. The most common causes of obesity include a lack of physical activity and eating an unhealthy diet. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are some of the leading causes of preventable death.

Some key statistics about obesity:

·       More than 1 in 3 Americans (35.7 percent) are obese

·       More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults in the United States areoverweight or obese

·       Almost 3 in 4 men (74 percent) are considered to be overweight or obese

·       Obesity by race:

o   47.8 percent - Non-Hispanic blacks

o   42.5 percent - Hispanics

o   32.6 percent - Non-Hispanic whites

o   10.8 percent - Non-Hispanic Asians

A person is considered obese when they have a body mass index (also known as BMI) of 30 or higher. The body mass index is an estimation of how much body fat a person has. How do you calculate body mass index? The body mass index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Here is a chart to understand what your body mass index means:

·       Below 18.5 - underweight

·       18.5-24.9 - normal

·       25.0-29.9 - overweight

·       30.0-34.9 - obese (Class I)

·       35.0-39.9 - obese (Class II)

·       40.0 and higher - extreme obesity (Class III)

Research suggests that obesity can interfere with your sex life and reduce your sex drive. A previous study showed that up to 30% of obese people seeking help to control their weight reported problems with sex drive, desire, performance, or all three. Fortunately, there are things you can do to boost your libido.

·       Lose weight (obviously). Even losing just 10 pounds can stimulate sex hormones.

·       Eat more nutritious foods, which control cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

·       Key your workouts to getting blood flowing to the pelvic area.

·       Learn to accept your body at any size, and find a partner who does as well.