What is obesity and how is it defined?

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that may impair health. It is typically diagnosed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese, though BMI is not the only measure of health. Obesity is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environment, and metabolic factors. In addition to BMI, healthcare professionals may look at waist circumference, body composition, and the presence of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea to determine an individual's health risks. Obesity significantly increases the likelihood of developing serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. Tackling obesity often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including diet, exercise, behavioral changes, and in some cases, medical treatments or surgery. Clinical trials are an essential component of obesity research, offering new insights into the prevention and treatment of the condition, from pharmaceutical interventions to novel lifestyle programs.