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What Is Obesity?

Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk. Today 97 million Americans, more than one-third of the adult population, are overweight or obese. An estimated 5 to 10 million
of those are considered morbidly obese.

Index with Abstracts:

  • Causes of Morbid Obesity: The reasons for obesity are multiple and complex.

  • Frequently Asked Questions: Our Frequently Asked Questions section refers to United States-based generally standard and accepted practices. As always, please check with your healthcare provider to determine their practices, guidelines and what they recommend for you.

  • Health Threat of Morbid Obesity: Morbid obesity induces a for a shorter life expectancy.

  • Am I Morbidly Obese?: Answering this question may give you the courage you need to take the first step.

  • Obesity-Related Health Conditions: Obesity-related health conditions are health conditions that, whether alone or in combination, can significantly reduce your life expectancy.

  • Options for Treatment: For anyone who has considered a weight loss program, there is certainly no shortage of choices.

  • What Is Morbid Obesity?: Obesity becomes "morbid" when it reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions or serious diseases (also known as co-morbidities) that result either in significant physical disability or even death.