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Obesity and Overweight
Overweight and obesity are diseases in which a person’s weight, given their height, is too high and can cause health problems. Obesity carries greater health risks than having overweight.
NICHD is one of many federal agencies and NIH institutes working to understand overweight and obesity. NICHD supports and conducts research on the causes of excess weight, how to prevent and treat obesity, and related topics, including conditions caused by having obesity.
General Information
Weight that is higher than what is considered healthy, based on a person’s height, is called “overweight” or “obesity.” Obesity is a chronic disease.
The most common way to determine if a person has overweight or obesity is to calculate body mass index (BMI), an estimate of body fat based on comparing a person’s weight to their height.
To lose weight, a person usually needs to reduce calories and increase physical activity. If lifestyle changes are not enough, medicines and weight-loss surgery may also be options.
Several factors can play a role in weight gain and retention, including diet, lack of exercise, factors in a person’s environment, and genetics.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on obesity and overweight and on many associated disorders.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to obesity and overweight.
More Information
Find answers to other common questions about obesity and overweight, such as associated disorders and whether obesity and overweight can affect pregnancy and fertility.
Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about obesity and overweight.
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