Obesity is a condition where you have too much body fat. It is not the same as being overweight, which means weighing too much. There are several ways in which weight can be gained, including muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Both terms describe a person whose weight is greater than what’s considered healthy for their height.

When you consume more calories than you burn, you become obese over time. Calorie balance varies from person to person. The genetic makeup of your body, overeating, eating high-fat foods, and not exercising can all affect your weight.

The consequences of obesity can range from diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, to some types of cancer. Almost all of these diseases can be delayed or prevented by losing even 5-10% of one’s body weight.