obesity

Condition of being significantly and unhealthily overweight. The body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to define obesity. People with a BMI between 25 and 30 are described as overweight, while those with a BMI over 30 count as obese. Obesity increases susceptibility to disease, strains the vital organs, and reduces life expectancy; it is usually remedied by controlled weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise.

Levels of obesity have risen significantly in many of the wealthier nations since the middle of the 20th century. In 2005, up to 30% of US adults (16% of children) and 22% of British adults (15% of children) were considered to be obese.