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Obesity is one of the most common health conditions in the world and one of the most misunderstood. Today, it affects about 4 in 10 U.S. adults, and the numbers keep rising.

For a long time, people thought obesity was simply about willpower. But modern medicine tells a different story: Obesity is a long-term, relapsing, complex disease shaped by your biology, your genes and the world around you.

Understanding what obesity really is and letting go of the blame is the first step toward better health for millions of people.

Obesity means your body has too much fat mass, and that fat is not just sitting there. Excess fat is biologically active. It releases hormones and inflammatory signals that contribute to metabolic disorders, inflammation and illness throughout the body. The sheer weight of extra fat also strains joints and other tissues, adding to problems like osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.

Doctors usually measure it using body mass index (BMI)—an estimate of body fat based on your weight and height. Here is how the categories break down:

BMI is not perfect. It does not measure fat directly, so it can be off for people who are very muscular or who have low muscle mass. Because of this, your doctor may also measure your waist to provide a fuller picture.

5 or even 25 to classify obesity and start prevention strategies early.

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