What is obesity?

Obesity is an excess accumulation of body fat. It is diagnosed by BMI (Body Mass Index) or by direct measurement of body fat, or both. Being obese increases the likelihood of various diseases and other health complications. The cause is complex and includes genetic, behavioral, socioeconomic, environmental factors like access to healthy food choices and safe space for physical activity because obesity can be a result of a global shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle.

In fact, more than half a billion adults worldwide are clinically overweight or obese with the number set to rise to over 700 million by 2025, while nations with high obesity rates include some in Africa and South America which had previously been free from this major public health issue until recently.

Obesity is a curable disease that is linked to having too much body fat. It is a global health concern. It's caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental variables, and it's tough to manage alone with food. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, as determined by a medical provider. Obesity affects over 40% of Americans.

Obesity is a disease that affects both men and women.

It's an illness.
This is a global health issue.
Many variables are to blame.
It's treatable and controllable.