This document analyzes the problems encountered by the obese individual and the effects of regular exercise on weight loss and fat reduction. Part one compares the psychological traits of obese children with age groups of normal weight and discusses the organic disorders and social attitudes which plague the overweight individual. Part two states that caloric intake and genetic and environmental factors are the major causes of obesity. Part three offers several methods of determining obesity including the following: (a) Age-Height-Weight Tables; (b) Meredith's Age-Height-Weight Charts; (c) the Wetzel Grid; (d) Adipose Tissue Measurement; (e) Hydrostatic Weighing; and (f) use of a volumeter. Part four cites a variety of studies concerning the physical activity habits of the obese and compares these activities to those of nonobese individuals. Part five studies the relationships between exercise, excess fat, and weight. Part six analyzes several physical conditioning studies conducted with adult men from college age through middle age and older. Part seven traces the effect of exercise upon fat reduction in females from fifth grade through middle age. Part eight illustrates the effects of weight training experiments male and female physical conditions. Part nine evaluates spot reducing and its lack of significant effects. Part ten summarizes the article and offers suggestions for research. A list of references is included. (JS)