Obesity is characterized by excessive or abnormal body fat that can impair your health. Many countries, including Canada, consider obesity to be a chronic health condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, that requires medical treatment and support.

Excess weight, and especially obesity, can have a negative impact on every aspect of your health, from your reproductive to respiratory function, to memory, and mood. Obesity also increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers. Obese children are more likely to develop a range of health problems that persist into adulthood.