What it means
The CDC reports that about 41.9% of US adults had obesity in 2017 to March 2020, up from 30.5% around 2000. Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
Major medical groups describe obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease shaped by genes, hormones, environment, sleep, stress, medicines and access to food and activity. It is not simply a matter of willpower.
BMI is the usual screen, but it does not measure fat directly. Clinicians also look at waist size, blood tests and related conditions. Obesity is further divided into classes by BMI.
Treatment options include nutrition and activity changes, behavioral programs, medicines and surgery. Many people need more than one approach over time, and long-term follow-up matters because weight regain is common.
Why it matters
A BMI of 30 or more is the main eligibility line for GLP-1 weight-management medicines.
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