Obestity, characterized by an excess accumulation of fat, is a detriment to good health and wellbeing. It is easy for individuals to take on excess fat as soon as enough food and leisure are available in a society, causing an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Although there has been disagreement as to which side of this energy equation is more important in th epidemic of obesity, both sides are certainly involved. I think the prevalence of obesity begins with infancy. It seems to be relatively constant throughout childhood. Some retrospective studies have suggested that there is a direct progression from a fat chile to a fat adult. Obesity has been associated with excess mortality in many studies. The effect of obesity on cardiovascular disease has not always been an independent one, but has generally been through exacerbation of other rish factors such as hypertention, diabetes, hyperlipedmia, galbladder disease, gout and cancer of the grease and endometrium. The weights of identical twins raised in separate homes have been reported to be similar, thereby suggesting that heredity contributes significantly to weight. Overweight and obesity are by far greater health problems for many people in our society. Therefore in this paper we consider the relationship between body energy balance and problems of obesity. Whatever the weight of the person, the goal of the nutritionist and health care workers is to find solutions that will allow persons to feel better about themselves.