• Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.
• It is a serious medical condition that can cause complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancers and sleep disorders.
• Susceptibility to obesity and its adverse consequences varies between individuals, and obesity has a genetic link as well in addition to other factors.
• Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults.
• An adult with a BMI of ≥ 30 kg/㎡ is considered obese.
• The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table.

The health risks of obesity are largely reversible and reduce the risk of complications. Increased physical activity and healthy eating are the main strategies for weight reduction.