Obesity is a complex health condition involving excess body fat that may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, and some cancers. BMI is often used as a screening tool, with a BMI of 30 or above commonly classified as obesity in adults, although waist size, body composition, medical history, and individual risk factors also matter.
Obesity is not simply a matter of willpower. It can be influenced by diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, genetics, hormones, medicines, mental health, long-term conditions, and the environment around a person. Some medical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, or insulin resistance, may also contribute to weight gain or make weight management more difficult. The World Health Organization describes obesity as a multifactorial disease involving environmental, psychosocial, and genetic factors.
Mobi Doctor can help with non-emergency online advice for people concerned about obesity, weight gain, BMI, lifestyle changes, possible medical causes, medication-related weight changes, or weight management options. A doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, current medications, risk factors, and previous weight-loss attempts before advising on the safest next step.
Seek medical advice promptly if weight gain is sudden, unexplained, linked with severe fatigue, swelling, breathlessness, chest pain, low mood, menstrual changes, or symptoms of diabetes. Weight management should be safe, realistic, and medically appropriate, especially if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant, or are considering medication.
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