OBESITY

Obesity and Weight

Also called: obesity, obese, overweight, cant lose weight, weight problem, need to lose weight, carrying weight, cant shift it, tried everything, yo yo dieting

Obesity and weight concerns can develop when body weight increases to a level that may affect health and wellbeing.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Genetics, energy balance, environment and health factors

TREATED BY

Bariatric surgery, medication and lifestyle support

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Body weight is regulated by a complex interaction between energy intake and expenditure, appetite, hormones, metabolism and the body’s biological mechanisms for maintaining energy stores. When energy intake consistently exceeds the amount the body uses, excess energy can be stored as body fat. However, this process is influenced by much more than food intake alone. Hunger, fullness, food preferences and metabolic responses are partly regulated by hormones and signals between the digestive system, fat tissue and brain, which helps explain why susceptibility to weight gain and responses to weight loss vary considerably between individuals.

Genetics can influence appetite, fat distribution, metabolism and the tendency to gain weight, while the surrounding environment strongly affects eating and activity patterns. Access to highly energy-dense foods, portion sizes, sedentary work, reduced physical activity and disrupted sleep can all contribute. Psychological factors, chronic stress and patterns of emotional eating may also influence weight. Life stages such as pregnancy, menopause and ageing can change body composition and energy requirements, while socioeconomic and environmental circumstances can make maintaining a particular weight more difficult.

Medical factors can also contribute to weight gain or make weight management more challenging. Certain medications, including some corticosteroids, psychiatric medicines and diabetes treatments, can affect appetite or metabolism. Endocrine conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome can contribute in some cases, although they account for only a proportion of weight problems. Obesity itself can then influence health by increasing the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease and joint problems. For this reason, assessment is generally more useful when it considers overall health, body composition, medical history and individual risk rather than focusing on weight or appearance alone.

How far along is it?

Early

Body weight or waist measurement increases beyond an individual’s previous or healthier range. There may be few noticeable symptoms or immediate health effects.

Moderate

Excess body fat becomes more significant and may begin to affect mobility, stamina, sleep, joints or metabolic health. Conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or insulin resistance may develop.

Advanced

Obesity is associated with substantial functional or medical effects, potentially including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, significant joint problems or other obesity-related complications. More intensive medical management may be appropriate.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Gastric sleeve surgery→Gastric bypass surgery→Gastric balloon→

Professional support may be worthwhile when weight is steadily increasing, difficult to manage despite sustained efforts or beginning to affect physical health, mobility, sleep or everyday activities. Assessment can also help identify medications, hormonal conditions, sleep problems or other factors that may be contributing.

Weight-related health risks depend on more than the number on the scales. BMI can be a useful screening measure, but waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, existing medical conditions and individual body composition can provide important additional information.

It is particularly worth seeking medical advice when weight changes are rapid or unexplained, or occur alongside symptoms such as marked fatigue, swelling, significant hormonal changes or other new health concerns. Sustainable weight management should focus on improving long-term health rather than pursuing rapid or extreme weight loss.

Quick Questions:

What causes obesity and weight gain?

Obesity usually develops through a combination of biological, genetic, environmental and behavioural factors. Diet and physical activity are important, but appetite regulation, metabolism, sleep, medications, health conditions and individual circumstances can also influence weight.

Is obesity only caused by eating too much?

No. Long-term energy balance contributes to changes in body fat, but the factors controlling food intake and energy expenditure are complex. Genetics, hormones, environment, medications, sleep and psychological factors can all influence susceptibility to weight gain.

Can hormonal problems cause weight gain?

Some hormonal and endocrine conditions, including hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, can contribute to weight gain, although they are not the cause of most cases of obesity. Medical assessment may be appropriate when weight gain is unexplained or accompanied by other symptoms.

When should I seek professional help with my weight?

Consider professional support when weight is affecting your health or quality of life, continues to increase, or has been difficult to manage with previous approaches. Assessment can identify individual health risks and determine whether lifestyle support, medication, specialist weight management or bariatric surgery may be appropriate.