Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by an excess of body fat. It is most often defined by the body mass index (BMI), a mathematical formula that is highly correlated with body fat.

Recent studies of obesity statistics in America state that; approximately 65% of people are overweight.  This same study shows that 31% of people now suffer from obesity compared to only 24% in 1994.  Childhood obesity and being overweight in general has increased by 80% in the last decade.  The concern is that overweight and obese children, grow up to be overweight and obese adults and remain that way through out their lives.

Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. Results from five prospective studies and national statistics suggest that the number of annual deaths attributable to obesity among US adults is about 280, 000.

There are many factors that contribute to causing obesity including genetics and behavior. Some individuals have a genetic tendency to gain weight and store fat. Although not everyone with this tendency will become obese, some people without genetic predisposition do become obese. Several scientists are presently doing studies in hopes of finding genetic targets in humans that may lead to the development of new treatments.

Learning and enforcing healthy habits for lifelong weight control includes regular physical activity and nutritious eating. The result of not having these things incorporated into your life will result in obesity.

Specific behavioral changes leading to weight loss and maintenance include: logging and tracking diet and exercise patterns in a diary, eating a low calorie diet, limiting the amount of calories from fat, burning calories daily through exercise, monitoring weight regularly, setting realistic goals, and developing a social support network.