http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/understanding.htm
Weight-Control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Obesity puts people at increased risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some forms of cancer. The large number of people with obesity and the serious health risks that come with it make understanding its causes and treatment crucial. This fact sheet provides basic information about obesity: What is it? How is it measured? What causes it? What are the health risks? What can you do about it?