We are deleting listing 9.09, ``Obesity,'' from appendix 1, subpart P of part 404, the ``Listing of Impairments'' (the listings). Although many individuals with obesity are appropriately found ``disabled'' within the meaning of the Social Security Act (the Act), we have determined that the criteria in listing 9.09 were not appropriate indicators of listing-level severity because they did not represent a degree of functional limitation that would prevent an individual from engaging in any gainful activity. However, in response to public comments, we are adding guidance about evaluating claims for benefits involving obesity to the prefaces of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and cardiovascular body system listings.