We've all heard warnings, yet many of us keep gaining weight. More than half of American adults are overweight or obese, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Childhood obesity is more prevalent in the Northeast, followed by the Midwest, South and West. It is also more prevalent in cities than in rural areas.

The not-so-secret secret to weight loss is to burn more calories than you eat. This can be done safely and effectively by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat.

Children who are inactive—spending time watching TV or sitting at a computer—are at higher risk for obesity, especially when their diet contains lots of high-calorie foods and beverages.

Each overweight or obese American spends $700 more a year on medical bills than trim neighbors, one expert says.

There is an epidemic of obesity in this country, health experts say. But what is obesity? How is it measured?

In today's society, there's much confusion over what constitutes a healthy weight. Here are some ways to find out where you stand on the weight issue.