•  People who are more than 20 pounds over their ideal body weight (obese) are more likely to develop heart disease, even if they have no other risk factors.
•  Obesity is unhealthy because excess weight puts more strain on your heart. It can raise blood pressure and blood cholesterol and make diabetes more likely to develop. Losing excess weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart problems and other diseases.
•  You can reduce your risk of heart disease by reaching and staying at a healthy weight. That means cutting back on fats and eating more fruits, vegetables and grains. It also means being physically active.

Obesity is now considered as a major risk factor for heart disease. According to the latest data, nearly 134 million American adults exceed the healthy weight range defined by the U.S. dietary guidelines.

Let's face it: Not everyone can be thin. But you can reach and maintain a healthy weight! It's not easy. But it's possible. Your genes may affect your tendency to obesity, but some people simply eat excess calories.