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Obesity

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Obesity means having excess body fat
  • It significantly increases risk of serious health conditions
  • BMI and waist-to-height ratio help assess body fat
  • Lifestyle changes and treatments can help manage weight

Overview

Obesity is a medical condition defined by having an excessive amount of body fat. This excess fat can negatively impact your health, leading to a range of serious medical issues. It typically occurs when you consume more calories than your body burns over time, often influenced by diet, physical activity levels, genetics, and other health factors. Understanding your body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio can help determine if you are living with obesity. Managing obesity usually involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. For some, medical treatments like weight management programs, medication, or surgery may be recommended to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Breathlessness
  • Difficulty moving around
  • Feeling very tired (fatigue)
  • Joint and back pain
  • Snoring
  • Mental health problems like depression

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Certain cancers (breast, womb, bowel)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Reduced life expectancy

Diagnosis

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
  • Waist to height ratio measurement
  • GP consultation for health assessment

Treatment & Management

  • Eating and drinking fewer calories
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Weight management programs
  • Weight loss medicines
  • Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery)

Prevention

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Reduce high-fat or sugary foods
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Set realistic weight loss goals
  • Monitor weight regularly

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Obesity:

Obesity Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Obesity:

Sleeve Gastrectomy

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Adults

Prevalence

Common

Diagnosis

BMI and waist-to-height ratio

Treatment

Lifestyle changes, medication, surgery

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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