Overweight and Obesity: Health Context and Care Options
What overweight and obesity mean, the health context, how clinicians now look beyond BMI, what care options exist, and why weight stigma matters. Educational overview.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Overview
Overweight and obesity describe having more body fat than is considered healthy for height. NIDDK says people whose weight is higher than what is considered healthy for their height are described as having overweight or obesity, and that this can raise the risk of many health problems. [1] WHO describes obesity as a chronic disease driven by complex interactions of environmental, social, biological and behavioral factors. [2] This page is educational; it is not a diagnosis, and weight alone does not describe a person's health.Why it is more than willpower
NIDDK lists lifestyle habits, the places where people live, work and play, sleep, medicines, health problems, and family history and genes as factors that affect weight. [3] WHO says the global rise in obesity is driven by environments that limit access to healthy, affordable food and safe physical activity. [2] A meta-analysis of 103 studies found that closeness to fast-food outlets was associated with obesity (odds ratio 1.15), while the density of fresh fruit and vegetable outlets and closeness to supermarkets were associated with lower obesity. [4] This is observational evidence (it shows association, not cause).Health context
NHS says living with overweight or obesity increases the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, osteoarthritis and fatty liver disease, and can cause day-to-day problems such as breathlessness, joint and back pain and snoring. [5] Risk differs from person to person. A 2025 Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission of 58 experts proposed separating "clinical obesity" (excess body fat that has affected how organs and tissues work) from "preclinical obesity" (excess body fat with preserved function), because the two carry different health implications. [6] See BMI, body composition and muscle.How common is it?
In US data from 2017 to 2018, NIDDK reported that more than 2 in 5 adults (42.4%) had obesity. [1] WHO estimates obesity affects 1.1 billion people worldwide. [2]Care options (overview)
Most care starts with lifestyle support. NIDDK says health care professionals most often treat overweight and obesity by helping you adopt lifestyle changes, and medicines or surgery may be added. [7]| Option | What the sources say | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle programs | NIDDK describes safe and successful programs as typically including 14 or more counseling sessions over 6 months, an eating plan, at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, daily food and activity tracking, and regular feedback. [7] NHS lists 1 to 1 coaching, CBT, group support and online classes as options. [5] | Established recommendation |
| Medicines | Some people lose 10% or more of starting weight; most weight loss happens in the first 6 months. [8] See Weight-loss medications and medical care. | Established for approved medicines; see that page |
| Metabolic and bariatric surgery | NHS says surgery may be offered at a BMI of 40 or over, or 35 or over with other conditions that could improve, with lower thresholds for some backgrounds. [5] | Established recommendation (clinical criteria) |
| Devices | NIDDK says researchers do not know the long-term risks and benefits of recently approved weight-loss devices. [7] | Insufficient evidence on long-term outcomes |
Weight stigma
An international consensus statement says people with obesity commonly face stigma and discrimination, including in health care, and that weight stigma can cause physical and psychological harm. [9] A systematic review of 74 studies found strong negative relationships between internalized weight bias (applying negative stereotypes to oneself) and mental health. [10] Care that is respectful and focused on health behaviors and conditions, not blame, is part of good practice.When to get help
NHS suggests seeing a GP if you want help with weight, if your waist is more than half your height, or if you have prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease. [5] See also Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and Healthy weight basics.Frequently asked questions
Is obesity a disease?
WHO describes obesity as a chronic disease. [2] A commission of experts suggests distinguishing "clinical obesity", where body fat has affected organ or tissue function, from "preclinical obesity". [6]
Can you be healthy at a higher weight?
Health depends on more than weight. The commission above says BMI alone gives inadequate information about an individual's health, and it separates preclinical from clinical obesity by whether function is affected. [6] A clinician can assess your own risk. [8]
Is weight loss the only goal?
No. NIDDK notes physical activity has health benefits independent of weight loss itself. [11]
References
- NIDDK. Definition and facts for adult overweight and obesity. Read 2026-10-22 (page last reviewed May 2023).
- WHO. Obesity and overweight. Read 2026-10-22.
- NIDDK. Factors affecting weight and health. Read 2026-10-22 (page last reviewed May 2023).
- Food environment and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed record. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2024. Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS. Overweight and obesity in adults. Read 2026-10-22.
- Rubino F et al. Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2025. Read 2026-10-22.
- NIDDK. Treatment for adult overweight and obesity. Read 2026-10-22 (page last reviewed May 2023).
- NIDDK. Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity. Read 2026-10-22 (page last reviewed June 2024).
- Rubino F et al. Joint international consensus statement for ending stigma of obesity. Nat Med 2020. Read 2026-10-22.
- Pearl RL, Puhl RM. Weight bias internalization and health: a systematic review. Obes Rev 2018. Read 2026-10-22.
- NIDDK. Choosing a safe and successful weight-loss program. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.