Obesity & Overweight

Steps to a Healthier Cleveland is the Cleveland Department of Public Health program that works to prevent overweight and obesity and to promote healthy weights and bodies.  Click here to learn more about healthy eating, physical activity and more “small steps” to improve health.

Obesity means having a high proportion of body fat.  A certain amount of fat in our bodies is healthy—it helps us store energy and insulates our bodies.  But too much fat can cause serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. 

Many factors contribute to overweight and obesity.  Some of them are uncontrollable—like your genetics and family history and your hormones.  But many of the risk factors for obesity can be controlled, and you have the power to change them.  The good news is that even modest weight loss, when done responsibly, can improve your health.

Overweight and obesity in adults is measured by a number calculated from your weight and height.  This number is called your Body Mass Index, or BMI.  Click here to calculate your own BMI

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems