obesity

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body mass index for adults

How was the leptin protein in mice discovered and how has it benefited diabetes and obesity treatment in humans?

How has the study of rare conditions like lipodystrophy aided understanding of the genomic factors contributing to diabetes and obesity?

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obesity summary

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Measuring body fat with calipers. (BMI, body mass index, weight)

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Marathon running in the light of evening

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Hand washing. Healthcare worker washing hands in hospital sink under running water. contagious diseases wash hands, handwashing hygiene, virus, human health

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Scolex (head) of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The hooks of the scolex enable the tapeworm to attach to the intestinal wall.

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airplane in flight (plane, aircraft, flying)

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Demystified - Do Lemmings Really Commit Mass Suicide? illustration

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Close up of praying mantis walking on stone ground against a blurred background in Japan

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Statue of Nostradamus

Nostradamus and His Prophecies

Salem Witch Trials. Photogravure after the painting by Walter McEwen titled - The Witches - circa 1890s.

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Nelson Mandela, undated photo.

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obesity: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025

News •

Scientists found the brain glitch that makes you think you’re still hungry • June 12, 2025, 12:16 AM ET (ScienceDaily)

Injectable medications for obesity found to produce smaller weight loss in a real-world setting • June 10, 2025, 12:56 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Food additive titanium dioxide likely has more toxic effects than thought, study finds • June 7, 2025, 3:09 AM ET (The Guardian)

Obesity can raise colorectal cancer risk by 30–50%, study finds • June 6, 2025, 2:38 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Comorbid obesity and sleep apnea treatment preferences found to differ among patients and providers • June 2, 2025, 6:09 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Facts

Also Known As	corpulence • fatness

Photos and Videos

body mass index for adults

How was the leptin protein in mice discovered and how has it benefited diabetes and obesity treatment in humans?

How has the study of rare conditions like lipodystrophy aided understanding of the genomic factors contributing to diabetes and obesity?

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Topics

childhood obesity central obesity pickwickian syndrome nutritional disease exercise Obesity gastric bypass surgery dieting semaglutide phentermine overweight overhydration

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nutritional disease: Obesity and weight control

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A Yorkshire terrier dressed up as a veterinarian or doctor on a white background. (dogs)

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3d illustration human heart. Adult Anatomy Aorta Black Blood Vessel Cardiovascular System Coronary Artery Coronary Sinus Front View Glowing Human Artery Human Heart Human Internal Organ Medical X-ray Myocardium

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