ABSTRACT
Obesity is defined as excess body weight or fatness by a variety of methods usually based on either body weight for a given height or percentage of body fatness as an indicator of overall body composition. Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. and is an independent risk factor for a number of chronic diseases and conditions. Comprehensive reviews of factors that promote obesity and the mechanisms by which the increased risk for chronic diseases linked to obesity are beyond the scope of this book.
