Metabolic processes also influence obesity. Other contributing factors include endocrine dysfunction , such as adrenal disease or diabetes. However, endocrine causes of obesity are relatively uncommon. As mentioned above, various environmental, social, economic, psychologic, behavioral and biological factors have also been associated with obesity. However, inactivity and poor diet are the two most important contributing factors to excessive weight gain.
Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of an excessive amount of fatty or adipose tissue.
Obesity results from unbalanced energy budgets. An overweight person consumes food energy in excess of expenditure and stores the surplus in body fat. The presence of this excess fat impairs the functioning of many important organs and body systems and can lead to multiple health problems, even death. Excess body fat has been linked to a long list of adverse health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, gall bladder disease, and certain reproductive disorders. Health practitioners acknowledge that obesity is prevalent enough to be considered a serious health concern.