Overweight, obesity, and health risk

More than half of adult Americans are overweight or obese, and public healt h recommendations call for weight loss in those who are overweight with ass ociated medical conditions or who are obese. However, some controversy exis ts in the lay press and in the medical literature about the health risks of obesity. We review briefly the large body of evidence indicating that high er levels of body weight and body fat are associated with an increased risk for the development of numerous adverse health consequences. Efforts to pr event further weight gain in adults at risk for overweight and obesity are essential. For those whose present or future health is at risk because of t heir obesity and who are motivated to make lifestyle changes, a recommendat ion for weight loss is appropriate.