Obese means weighing much more than is healthy for your body, to a degree that can cause serious health problems. When doctors say someone is obese, they're making a medical observation, not an insult: they mean the person's weight has reached a level that can put strain on their heart, joints, and other organs.

Doctors often measure obesity using something called BMI (Body Mass Index), which compares your height to your weight. Everyone's body is different, and people naturally come in all shapes and sizes. But when someone becomes obese, their body is carrying so much extra weight that it can struggle to function properly, like trying to carry a heavy backpack everywhere you go.

Obesity can develop for many reasons: eating too much unhealthy food, not getting enough exercise, certain medical conditions, or a combination of factors.

Obese is a medical term that doctors use to describe when someone's weight may be harming their health. Many people address obesity through changes in nutrition and exercise, often with support from doctors and family.