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Obesity is a chronic (long-lasting) disease characterised by excess body fat. Like other chronic conditions, it may require ongoing medical attention and can impact daily activities and quality of life. Obesity is associated with more than 200 related health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.

Obesity can negatively affect the body in many ways. Common health conditions associated with obesity include but not limited to:

• Shortness of breath
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Snoring and sleep apnoea
• Lipid metabolism disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Asthma and bronchitis
• Musculoskeletal problems (muscles, joints, and spine)
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Hormonal irregularities in women
• Heartburn (acid reflux)
• Fatty liver disease
• Gallstones
• Bladder complications
• Certain types of cancer

Obesity is not simply a cosmetic concern, it significantly increases the risk of numerous serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, especially when it is long‑lasting or when BMI is ≥ 30 (obesity range) or ≥ 40 (very high levels of obesity with major health impact). Seeking treatment can improve quality of life, reduce health risks, and prevent the development of related conditions.

Factors that can contribute to obesity include:

• Gender-specific factors
• Physical inactivity
• Metabolic conditions
• Stress
• Hormonal factors
• Poor sleep
• Underlying diseases
• Eating behaviors like emotional eating
• Certain medications
• Nicotine withdrawal

Body mass index (BMI) is a screening tool that uses height and weight to help healthcare professionals assess weight categories that may be linked to health risks. BMI generally falls into four categories: Underweight (BMI below 18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5–22.9), Overweight (BMI 23–24.9), and Obesity (BMI 25 or above).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a BMI of 23 or above is considered overweight, while a BMI of 25 or above is classified as obesity for the Asian population. Obesity is recognised as a treatable disease influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, appetite hormones, environment, and behaviour.

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) can be a helpful starting point for identifying overweight and obesity, but it’s not the whole picture. In Indians, a BMI of ≥ 25 is considered obesity, which is lower than some global thresholds due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

Other factors such as body shape, age, and overall health also play an important role. For example, a slightly higher BMI in older adults may not always be a concern, and the most reliable way to understand your health is to seek expert medical advice, since a healthcare professional can provide a clear assessment and guidance personalized to you.

Weight management involves reaching and maintaining a healthy weight while preventing weight regain and maintaining adequate muscle mass. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, what works for one person may not work for another. Speak with your healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan that suits your needs.

Losing weight when living with obesity is challenging and often requires more than dietary changes alone. Obesity is a long-term condition, which means quick fixes are rarely effective and extreme diets can trigger the "yo-yo effect," leading to weight regain.

• Long-term, gradual changes are more effective than rapid, drastic ones
• Medical support can help you stay safe, motivated, and on track

It's crucial that you set realistic goals for your weight loss, so you don't get disappointed. Therefore, it is important to know how high the weight loss can be with the respective measure.

• Change in diet, exercise and behaviour: approx. 3 to 5% less weight
• Taking weight loss medication in addition to changing diet and exercise: about 8 to 16% weight loss
• Surgical procedure: approx. 20 to 30% weight loss

We constantly compare ourselves to other people. However, this is often frustrating and even counterproductive, especially when it comes to weight loss. Everybody is different! If success is slower for you or sometimes fails to materialize, it does not mean that you are doing something wrong. It is important that you seek regular support and advice from your doctor. The time component is just as important. Fast weight loss is not recommended as it can cause you to lose muscle; slow weight loss is much gentler on the body.

Obesity is a chronic condition; it cannot be cured, but it can be effectively treated and managed.

• Treatment typically begins with lifestyle changes and medical support
• Medication or surgical options may be considered when lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient

A weight loss of just 5–10% of your total body weight can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related health conditions and improve your quality of life. The right target depends on your individual circumstances. Speak with your doctor to set realistic goals and develop a personalized plan.

Having a doctor's support can make a significant difference in your weight management journey. They understand your health history, lifestyle, and personal goals to guide you effectively.

• They can recommend nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural programmes to support lasting change
• If needed, they may prescribe medication or refer you to specialists for a more comprehensive, personalized plan

Ask yourself if you’re willing to change eating and exercise habits, manage stress differently, and commit time to the process. If stress is a barrier, seek support from friends or healthcare professionals.

Make a list of personal reasons (health, fitness, confidence, upcoming events). Use reminders like notes on the fridge, track progress in a journal or app, and surround yourself with supportive people who encourage healthy habits.

Aim for realistic weight loss (0.5–1 kg per week). Start with losing 5% of your body weight. Use action goals (e.g., “Walk 30 minutes daily”) and outcome goals (e.g., “Lose 10 kgs”). Action goals guide your daily behavior.

Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit refined grains and added sugars. Use healthy fats like olive oil or nuts in moderation. Choose low‑fat dairy and fresh foods over processed ones. Practice mindful eating, avoid distractions like TV or phones while eating.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days (walking, cycling, swimming). Add strength training twice a week. Increase daily movement by taking stairs, parking farther away, or standing while on calls.

Treat healthy eating and exercise as lifestyle changes, not short‑term fixes. Identify past barriers and plan to overcome them. Expect setbacks but restart quickly. Consistency over time leads to lasting results.

If diet, lifestyle changes, and exercise are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to support your weight loss. These medications work by either suppressing your appetite or preventing fat absorption in the body and have been tested for both safety and effectiveness.

Before prescribing, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination and review any existing medications you may be taking. Please remember that weight loss medication should always be used as a supplement to a healthy diet and exercise, not as a replacement.

Obesity can affect many aspects of your health, and the heart is particularly vulnerable. Excess weight increases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which put added strain on the heart and raise the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Maintaining a healthy weight supports better heart function and long-term cardiovascular health.

Small, consistent changes can have a meaningful impact on heart health:

• Move more: Start with walking, light exercise, or everyday physical activity at home
• Eat better: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce salt and sugar intake
• Manage stress: Try deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, or improving your sleep habits
• Regular check-ups: A healthcare professional can guide you on the right heart health and weight management plan

If you have an existing heart condition, always follow personalized advice from your cardiologist.

Yes, even modest weight loss can bring meaningful heart health benefits, including:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improved cholesterol levels
• Reduced strain on the heart
• Decreased risk of heart disease

Weight loss should be safe and gradual; crash diets are not effective in the long term. If you have a heart condition, your doctor may recommend a personalized lifestyle or treatment plan.

Fat around the stomach (abdominal or visceral fat) releases hormones and inflammatory chemicals that can raise blood pressure and increase strain on the heart. Over time, this can cause the heart to work harder than it should, raising the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Obesity can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to insulin resistance, which may cause hormonal irregularities. In women, this can result in irregular or missed menstrual cycles, affecting the production and release of eggs and potentially leading to difficulty conceiving. Managing weight can help improve fertility outcomes.

During pregnancy, obesity increases the risk of serious complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). It also raises the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and premature birth.
Even a 5% reduction in body weight before pregnancy can meaningfully improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.