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Current knowledge of human obesity has progressed beyond the simple generalizations of the past. Formerly, obesity was considered fully explained by the single adverse behavior of inappropriate eating in the setting of attractive foods. To assess the health implications of obesity, new knowledge and new epidemiologic observations have introduced a variety of complications that must be addressed. Thus, a reassessment of definitions and measurements of obesity is required. There is controversy surrounding the interpretation of data showing an association of body weight with morbidity and mortality. The interpretations of data from different studies have been complicated by the confounding effects of smoking behavior, the coexistence of diseases other than obesity, and variations in methods of data collection and followup. Because population samples in some studies have not been representative of the U.S. population, there have been uncertainties as to how far their conclusions can be generalized for recommendations for dietary advice and treatment. There is evidence that an increasing number of children and adolescents are overweight. Even though all overweight children will not necessarily become overweight adults, the increasing prevalence of obesity in childhood is likely to be reflected in increasing obesity in adult years. The high prevalence of obesity in our adult population and the likelihood that the nation of the future will be even more obese demand a reassessment of the health implications of this condition. The evidence is now overwhelming that obesity, defined as excessive storage of energy in the form of fat, has adverse effects on health and longevity. Obesity is clearly associated with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, NIDDM, and excess of certain cancers and other medical problems. When diabetes, hypertension, or a family history for these diseases is present, treatment will lead to benefits even when lesser degrees of obesity are present. *** This was taken from: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health *** 
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