Obesity has played a major role in the media over the past decade. With growing concern over this issue, controversy has developed over whether obesity is a disease in itself or not. Obesity, by definition, is a condition characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body, usually indicated by a body mass index of 30 or greater. According to the currently accepted definition of a disease, a condition of the body or any part of it that impairs normal functioning and is usually manifested by distinctive signs and symptoms, it can be concluded that obesity does not meet the criteria for be classified as a disease. For obesity to be a disease, it must either impair an individual's function and/or exhibit distinctive signs or symptoms. Obesity does not have the signs and symptoms associated with being a disease. The only sign is the presence of excess fat, which, by definition, is obesity itself. To indicate whether a person is obese, a calculation that takes into account height and weight is used to determine the person's body mass index (BMI). If the result is 30 or more, the person is considered obese. BMI is highly correlated with excess body fat, but does not measure it directly, making it an inaccurate assessment of health. Most people with a high BMI do not have any disabilities and have no problems functioning in daily life. In some extreme cases, significant excess fat can reduce mobility, but this is hardly the case for most obese people. Because obesity rarely causes any impairment of normal functioning, it does not meet the standards for a disease. It is difficult to deny that obesity is generally attributed to the development of diseases such as...... middle of paper. ....practices that are more accessible to people can have a very negative result. Positive results can be achieved only through exercise and diet that do not require a medical diagnosis. Obesity is a growing concern in America because it puts people at risk of disease. Obesity does not meet the definition of a disease and can be easily prevented or controlled through diet and regular physical activity. A person's genetics don't always allow them to be an ideal weight, but eating well and staying active will keep them healthy and reduce their risk of developing obesity-related diseases. Recent attempts by the government to treat obesity as a disease are ineffective and could have negative repercussions. With the proper strategies and knowledge, there is no limit to how tall a person must be to live a full, completely functional life without being diagnosed with disease...