A chronic, complex disease characterized by excessive or abnormal accumulation of body fat that can impair health.
Obesity results from interactions among biological, genetic, environmental, social, behavioral, and metabolic factors. It is associated with increased risk of numerous conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and sleep-related breathing disorders. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as a screening measure for obesity in adults, but BMI does not directly measure body fat or fully describe an individual’s health.
QUICK FACT
Obesity is not simply a matter of willpower or personal choice; multiple biological and environmental factors influence body weight and fat accumulation.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Overweight: a BMI category above the usual healthy-weight range; obesity represents a higher level of excess body fat and is classified as a chronic disease.
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