Although the roles of genetic and environmental factors on weight gain or loss are complex, this presentation will attempt to clarify and discuss some of what is and is not known. Some people are at greater risk of becoming overweight or obese because they store fat more easily than others under similar conditions of energy intake, dietary composition, and physical activity. The heritability of body weight varies among different levels. For example, it is moderate (~35-45%) with normal and overweight but higher with obesity (~60%) and severe obesity (~80%). It should be mentioned that these are population estimates and that they do not necessarily apply to any one individual. The rapid rise in obesity over the past few decades is too fast to be attributed to genetic influences and is more likely to be associated with high intakes of calories and fat plus physical inactivity. Because there are thousands of DNA variants that link genetics and obesity, there are major challenges for programs to prevent and treat obesity.