Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease resulting from a positive energy balance. The etiology of obesity involves genetic, environmental, metabolic, and psychosocial factors. Its prevalence has increased such that the majority of the population in the United States is now either overweight or obese.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• 1. define obesity and its prevalence among adults in the United States.
• 2. discuss how to measure obesity using BMI and waist circumference.
• 3. describe medical comorbidities associated with obesity.
• 4. describe at least two kinds of medical interventions effective in treating obese adults.