Obesity and being overweight are significant public health concerns in the United States. Estimates from the CDC indicate that approximately forty percent of the adult population is obese. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of adults and one in six children are classified as overweight.

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Obesity is a condition defined by having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of $${}30$$ or higher. This classification indicates a weight level that exceeds generally accepted healthy limits for a person's height.

Obesity Classification by BMI

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Severe obesity is a classification for individuals whose excess weight places them at extreme risk for death. It is formally defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over $${}40$$.

Severe Obesity

Being extremely overweight or obese serves as a major risk factor for several severe negative health outcomes. The consequences include an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea, colon cancer, breast cancer, infertility, and arthritis.

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