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Obesity Basics: What Is It? How Is It Treated?

There is an epidemic of obesity in this country, health experts say. But what is obesity? How is it measured? Find out the answers to these questions and others by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your provider as you talk about your care.

1. Body mass index (BMI) is the current standard for finding out whether someone is overweight or obese. BMI corrects for differences in height among people. Which BMI reading is considered obese?
2. What portion of body fat falls in the obese category?
3. How many American adults are considered obese?
4. What causes obesity?
5. Which of these serious health problems has been linked to obesity?
6. If you are considered obese, how much weight do you need to lose to bring about positive health changes?
7. What is a healthy weight loss goal?
8. How much physical activity should you aim for each week to help weight loss?
9. If your healthcare provider advises weight-loss medicine, when can you expect to lose the most weight?
10. Bariatric surgery may be advised for people with a BMI of more than 40. What does the procedure do?

Medical Reviewers:

  • Freeborn, Donna, Phd, CNM, FNP
  • Hurd, Robert, MD
  • Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN