Weight & Obesity


Weight management includes all the steps a person takes to maintain a healthy weight. This typically involves eating a well-balanced diet in which calorie intake matches energy output. Regular physical activity is another crucial component of weight management.

A person’s weight also depends on several other factors, including age, gender, behaviors and health status. Genetic factors also play a significant role, helping to determine a person’s height, size and shape of body frame. In addition, the eating and activity patterns established during childhood help to determine those patterns for life.

Diet and exercise are the chief controllable factors that influence a person’s weight. Generally, experts recommend a diet that is lower in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Such a diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and other healthy foods.

The Basics Weight gain defined, why extra weight is a problem, prevention, and childhood weight gain. Healthy Eating Why diets don't work, changing your eating habits, plus tips for cooking and dining out. Fitness Getting started, physical activity in daily life, and preventing injury. Weight-Loss Treatments & Supplements Medications, appetite suppressants, supplements, herbs, and surgery.
Health Highlight Overweight is having extra body weight from muscle, bone, fat, and/or water. Obesity is having a high amount of extra body fat. Body mass index (BMI) is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. Are you overweight? This body mass index (BMI) calculator tells you.

