Obesity is defined as weight that is 20% or more above the maximum ideal weight for an individual. Note however, that modern height to weight tables do not take account of frame size or bone structure.

Being overweight increases the chances of suffering from a number of diseases. These include high blood pressure, heart attacks, gall stones, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, hiatus hernia, and varicose veins. There is an increased risk during surgery. Overall, life expectancy decreases as weight increases. Note however, that being underweight is also associated with decreased life expectancy.

There is no mystery about the immediate reason why people become overweight: it is because they take in more energy in food than they put out. In practice, eating less food and taking more exercise is bound to help in any weight-losing regime.

The kind of food that is eaten is important, as well as the amount. Fat intake should be reduced, since fat contains twice as many calories, weight for weight as other sorts of food. Generally, the food you eat should contain reduced amounts of fat, alcohol and sugar.

In spite of the undoubted risks of being overweight, it is important to keep a sense of proportion about the matter. Minor degrees of overweightness do not make a large difference to health, and for some people worrying about the situation can do more harm than the overweight itself. Contentedness is life saving, and it is sometimes far better to be happy and accept things as they are and simply avoid putting on more weight.