The definition of obesity varies, depending on what one reads. inIn general, overweight and obesity indicate a weight greater than what is healthy. obesityObesity is a chronic condition defined by an excess amount of body fat. aA certain amount of body fat is necessary for storing energy heat insulation shock absorption and other functions. obesityObesity has reached epidemic proportions in the united statesUnited States with over two thirdstwo-thirds of adults arebeing overweight, or obese, and one in three americansAmericans is obese. theThe prevalence of obesity in children has increased markedly obesityand it has also been increasingrising rapidly throughout the world. and theThe incidence of obesity nearly doubled from 1991 to 1998. obesityObesity also increases the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases, including the following; insulin resistance type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, and cancer.