When attempting to use body fat content to define obesity, body fat above 37% for women warrants an obesity diagnosis while for men body fat above 24% warrants an obesity diagnosis. Obesity is a condition where an individual has accumulated a lot of body fat such that it may have a negative effect on their health. If ones body weight is at least 20% higher than it should be, then they are considered obese. Basal mass index is a good indicator of obesity.