obesity overview for patients

Overview

Obesity is a condition where a person has too much body fat. It is not a character flaw or a simple lack of willpower. It is a complex health condition that can affect how your body works, including your hormones, metabolism, and daily life.

Yes. Obesity is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. In many countries, more than 1 in 4 adults live with obesity.

Obesity can affect people of every age, gender, income level, and ethnic background. Children, teenagers, and older adults can all develop it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Often there are no specific symptoms at first – a person may simply notice their clothes fitting more tightly or that they put on weight gradually.
• Breathlessness or feeling out of breath after small amounts of activity.
• Feeling tired or fatigued more easily than usual.
• Pain or discomfort in the joints, especially the knees and lower back.
• Low mood or frustration about body image or health.

Symptoms in children

• Weight that seems above the healthy range for their age and height.
• Difficulty keeping up with friends during physical activity.
• Breathlessness during play or minor exertion.
• Snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep (possible sign of sleep apnoea).
• Teasing or bullying at school that can affect self-esteem.

Symptoms in older adults

• Greater difficulty moving around or doing daily tasks such as climbing stairs.
• Shortness of breath during light activity.
• Increased need for help with self-care, like bathing or dressing.
• New or worsening joint pain, especially in hips and knees.
• Tiring easily and wanting to rest more often during the day.

Causes

Main causes

• Your body's energy balance. When you regularly take in more energy (calories) than your body burns, the extra is stored as fat. But it is not simply about eating too much – your hormones, brain, and body systems all play a part.
• Genetic factors. Some people are born with a higher risk of gaining weight, and obesity often runs in families.
• Medical conditions. Conditions such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause weight gain.
• Medicines. Certain medicines used for depression, epilepsy, diabetes, or high blood pressure can lead to weight gain as a side effect.
• Psychological factors. Stress, anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep can all raise the risk of weight gain.

Risk factors

• Family history of obesity or type 2 diabetes.
• An inactive or mostly sedentary lifestyle.
• Frequently eating highly processed foods or drinking sugary drinks.
• Poor sleep – sleeping too little or having untreated sleep apnoea.
• Living in an environment with limited access to affordable, healthy foods or safe places to exercise.
• Some childhood experiences or trauma that affect how you view food.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe pain in the chest, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or signs of a stroke, call your local emergency number right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your doctor if you're gaining weight without a clear reason, if your child or teenager is gaining weight quickly, or if you need help managing your weight and want a personalised plan.

Diagnosis

Your doctor or nurse will usually start by measuring your weight and height to calculate your body mass index (BMI). They may also measure your waist and ask about your medical history, eating habits, activity, sleep, mood, and medicines. No single test gives a full picture – the goal is to understand your overall health.

Tests that may be done

• Weight and height to calculate your BMI.
• Waist measurement to assess how much fat is around your abdomen.
• Blood pressure measurement.
• Blood tests, such as for blood sugar, cholesterol, or thyroid function.
• Sometimes a depression or anxiety screening questionnaire.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will discuss your results with you in a non-judgemental way. They will talk about what may be contributing to your weight and offer realistic, evidence-based options that fit your life. You will be involved in every decision about your care.

Treatment

Treatment for obesity is not one-size-fits-all. It usually begins with understanding your own health picture and then building a programme of small, sustainable changes. A trained healthcare professional can provide support with healthy eating, physical activity, and behavioural strategies. For some people, treatment may include medications or referral to a specialist service, including surgery for people with severe obesity. Any medical treatment is only started after a full assessment and is always combined with lifestyle support.

Self-care at home

• Set small goals, such as adding 10 extra minutes of walking each day or swapping a sugary drink for water.
• Go for gradual losses – losing half a kilogram (about 1 pound) each week is often more sustainable than rapid weight loss.
• Keep a simple journal of your meals, activity, sleep, and feelings to spot patterns.
• Ask family and friends for encouragement – you do not have to do this alone.
• Try non-food rewards for reaching a goal, like a bath, a film, or a new book.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include structured weight-management programmes run by trained health or dietetic staff. Some people may be offered medicines that help control appetite or reduce how much fat the body absorbs. These are used only under close medical supervision and are never a replacement for healthy eating and activity. Individual care and monitoring are essential.

When is surgery considered?

For some people with severe obesity, or with obesity plus other health problems, a type of surgery called bariatric (weight-loss) surgery may be an option. Surgery is not a quick fix – it requires a strong commitment to changing eating habits and attending regular follow-up after the operation. This decision is made with a specialist team after every other option has been explored.

Living with this condition

Living well with obesity means focusing on your health, not just the number on the scale. Try to build a routine that feels doable: regular meal times, varied and colourful food, movement you enjoy, enough sleep, and time to rest. Progress can be slow and uneven – that is normal. The point is to keep going, not to be perfect.

Lifestyle tips

• Move in a way you enjoy – brisk walking, swimming, dancing, gardening, or chair-based exercise all count.
• Eat a rainbow: aim for vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein most of the time.
• Get enough sleep – most adults need around 7 to 9 hours a night.
• Manage stress with simple breathing, mindfulness, or talking to someone you trust.
• Plan your meals and snacks ahead when possible to avoid relying on ready meals.

Diet and exercise

There is no single 'right' diet. In general, gently reducing portion sizes, eating at regular times, and focusing on plant-based foods can help. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but it is fine to start with 5–10 minute bouts and build up. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise programme, especially if you have any health conditions.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Obesity can affect your emotional health. Many people experience stigma, shame, and low self-esteem. It is not your fault. Your mental health matters. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling anxious, hopeless, or struggling to cope. If you ever have thoughts of self-harm, get help immediately from your local emergency number or a mental health crisis line. You deserve care and kindness, including from yourself.

Prevention

Not every case of obesity can be prevented – genetics, medical conditions, and medications can all have a strong influence. But for many people, healthy long-term habits can reduce the risk or slow weight gain. It is never too early or too late to make changes that help your body.

Screening programmes

Screening – such as checking your BMI and blood pressure at routine health visits – can help catch weight-related health problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Heart disease and stroke.
• Fatty liver disease.
• Sleep apnoea and breathing problems.
• Joint problems, such as osteoarthritis.
• Higher risk of some cancers.

Long-term outlook

Living with obesity is a long-term journey, and it's never too late to improve your health. Many people find that losing just 5% to 10% of their starting weight lowers blood pressure, improves blood sugar, and reduces pain. With the right support, steady progress is possible. Your worth is never determined by the number on a scale.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS – Obesity ↗ · United Kingdom

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