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Obesity Directory
A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more above normal weight or his or her body mass index (BMI) is over 30. "Morbid obesity" means that a person is more than 100 pounds over normal weight or has a BMI of 40 or higher. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about obesity, its causes, treatment, and much more.
Medical Reference
Health Risks of Obesity
Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for many serious health conditions, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and even cancer. Learn more from WebMD about diseases you can prevent by losing weight.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
An overview of gastric bypass surgery for obesity.
Ways to Prevent Gout
Get the facts on ways to prevent gout.
Hiatal Hernia Coping and Prevention
Get tips from WebMD on preventing a hiatal hernia and reduce symptoms if you have one.
Features
Obesity Epidemic "Astronomical"
The prognosis for the nation is bad and getting worse as obesity takes its toll on the health of adults and children alike.
What Does Your Waistline Have to Do With Heart Disease?
Heart disease risk can depend on your weight and where you wear it. Here’s what you can do.
Helping Your ‘Not-Thin’ Kids
Fit kids come in all shapes and sizes, just as fit adults do. And many experts say we should keep this foremost in mind when it comes to children who aren't thin, but who eat healthfully, have lots of energy, and exercise almost every day.
7 Ways High-Tech Gadgets Could Be Hurting You
Sure, they make life easier, but could all this technology be harmful to your health? WebMD gets the experts to weigh in.
Video
The Importance of Diet and Exercise in Reducing Obesity
Being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, and maybe even cancer. Learn how weight affects your body.
Arthritis at Any Age
The father of fitness walking, Dr. James Rippe, discusses arthritis.
How Excess Weight Can Stress Your Body
Jonathan Sackner Bernstein, MD, explains how excess weight can stress your body.
When Being Overweight Becomes a Health Problem
Jonathan Sackner Bernstein, MD, talks about when being overweight becomes a health problem.
Slideshows & Images
Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight
What are some possible causes of sudden weight gain, when there are no changes in diet or exercise? Learn about the effects of certain medications, some medical conditions, sleep issues, and more.
Slideshow: 14 Inside Rainy Day Activities for Kids
10 Ways to Control Your Eating
Do you have control of your eating? Find out how a few simple tweaks can make healthy eating a whole lot easier.
Slideshow: U.S. News & World Report Releases Its Annual List of Best Diets
An annual list of the most successful diets for weight loss and healthy eating. A look at programs like DASH, TLC, Mediterranean, Weight Watchers, and other popular plans.
Quizzes
Fat Facts Quiz
Test your diet IQ with this quiz about different types of fat and fats.
Best & Worst Foods for Belly Fat
Do you know which foods are best and worst for belly fat? Test your knowledge with this quiz, and learn how to eat for a slimmer waistline.
Test Your Nutrition IQ
Take this quiz to find out how much you know about dietary guidelines.
Health Tools
Weight Loss Surgery Health Check - Take the WebMD Weight Loss Surgery Assessment
Health Check 5 -- Assess Your Risks for 5 Health Problems
How Fit is Your Family? Assess your family’s habits to get your Family Fit Score
What Kind of Dieter Are You?
Take this assessment to find out your diet personality. Plus, get tips to overcome obstacles, face food cravings, and find motivation.