Rasahdus

Rasahdus is a Finnish and Swedish term that refers to excess body weight, commonly known in English as overweight or obesity. It is usually defined by a body mass index (BMI) that exceeds a particular threshold, although other clinical measurements such as waist circumference and body fat percentage are often used to assess health risk.

The causes of rasahdus are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, dietary habits that provide more energy than is expended, lack of physical activity, psychological factors, and certain medications or medical conditions. Socio‑environmental influences such as food availability, urban design, and cultural attitudes also contribute to the prevalence of excess weight.

Health consequences associated with rasahdus are wide‑ranging. Individuals with excess adiposity face increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, and certain cancers. Furthermore, obesity can negatively affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

Management strategies typically involve lifestyle interventions, including balanced nutrition, caloric restriction, regular physical activity, and behavioural support. For some individuals, pharmacological treatment or bariatric surgery may be considered when non‑surgical options are insufficient. Prevention efforts target early life stages, school‑based programs, public health campaigns, and policies that promote healthier food systems and active living environments.

Epidemiological data indicate that rasahdus remains a growing public health concern worldwide, with rates rising in both high‑income and low‑middle‑income countries. Addressing this condition requires coordinated individual, community, and governmental action to reduce risk factors and improve population health outcomes.