Obesity is defined as having too much body fat. It’s different from being overweight, which is defined as weighing too much. Both terms mean that a person’s weight is greater than what is considered healthy in relationship to their height. Obesity is usually caused by eating more calories than you use; how many more differs for each person. Other factors that cause obesity include your genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods, and not being physically active. Being obese increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and some cancers.
