Understanding Adult Overweight & Obesity

The terms “overweight” and “obesity” refer to body weight that is greater than what is considered normal or healthy for a certain height. Reaching and staying at a healthy weight can be a long-term challenge for people who are overweight or have obesity.

Many factors can affect your weight, leading to overweight, obesity, or extreme obesity. Some of these factors may make it hard for you to lose weight or not regain weight you have lost. Being overweight or having obesity may lead to certain health problems.

Knowing your body mass index (BMI) and waist size help tell if you are at a normal or healthy weight; are overweight; have obesity; or have extreme obesity. Your body shape may make you more likely to have certain health problems.

Overweight and obesity may increase your risk for certain health problems and may be linked to certain emotional and social problems.

Changing your eating habits is central to losing and maintaining your weight. To lose weight, you have to eat fewer calories and use more calories than you take in. Sticking with an eating plan may be more important than the type of eating plan you follow.

Common treatments for losing weight include healthy eating, being physically active, and making other changes to your usual habits. If you have extreme obesity and related health problems, your doctor may consider other treatments, such as bariatric surgery.