Managing obesity isn’t about quick fixes. It requires a personalised, evidence-based plan, developed with the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals (HCPs). Whether you're considering lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, it’s crucial to get expert advice before starting any treatment.
The World Obesity Federation characterises obesity as a “chronic, relapsing, progressive, disease process” that urgently calls for intervention. Defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, obesity represents excessive fat accumulation that puts individuals at significantly heightened risk of chronic conditions hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, asthma, and several cancers (including bowel, breast, womb, and ovarian) alongside profound psychological, social, and economic consequences .
1
Why It’s a Disease, Not Simply Overeating
Science shows that obesity stems from a complex interplay: high-energy diets, sedentary environments, genetics, and metabolic and inflammatory responses from excess fat cells, not a moral failure, but a medical condition. It’s progressive, multifactorial, and comparable to chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension in its persistence and impact.
2
The Human and Health Care Toll
Obesity triggers damage across nearly every organ, heart, vessels, liver, pancreas, joints, lungs, and mood. In 2021 alone, high body weight was linked to 1.6 million premature deaths from non-communicable diseases . Obesity also shortens life expectancy by 2–10 years, depending on severity .
Yet, many healthcare systems default to advising “eat less, move more,” ignoring the disease’s complexity. Providers often lack training and resources, and stigma is rampant, even among health professionals, blocking patients from accessing care.
3
Understanding the Levels: Obesity Classes
It is classified into different levels based on Body Mass Index (BMI), which helps healthcare professionals assess the severity of the condition and tailor treatment accordingly. Here’s how it’s typically broken down:
- Class 1 (Moderate obesity): BMI 30.0–34.9
- Class 2 (Severe obesity): BMI 35.0–39.9
- Class 3 (Very severe or “morbid” obesity): BMI 40 or above
As the BMI category increases, so does the risk of developing serious health complications. Those in Class 2 or 3 are more likely to face multiple chronic conditions and may need more intensive medical interventions.
However, it’s important to remember that BMI is just one tool. It doesn’t account for muscle mass, fat distribution, or overall health. That’s why many experts now recommend a more comprehensive assessment that includes waist circumference, metabolic markers, and individual health history.
4
Treatments That Work, With the Right Support
Managing obesity isn’t about quick fixes. It requires a personalised, evidence-based plan, developed with the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals (HCPs). Whether you’re considering lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, it’s crucial to get expert advice before starting any treatment.
Too often, people try extreme diets or unverified supplements without proper medical input, this can do more harm than good. Obesity is a complex disease that affects many systems in the body, and treatments must be tailored accordingly.
Today, a range of effective tools exist:
- Behavioural therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help address emotional eating, build healthy habits, and improve mental wellbeing.
- Medications, including newer anti-obesity drugs, are transforming the way we manage weight and metabolic health but they must be prescribed and monitored by professionals.
- Surgical options, like bariatric surgery, can be life-changing for some individuals, but only when recommended and followed up with specialist care.
Each treatment has its own risks, benefits, and suitability criteria, which only trained health professionals can properly assess. No one-size-fits-all solution exists. What works for one person may not be safe or effective for another.
Above all, ongoing support from dietitians, doctors, psychologists, and other allied professionals is essential for long-term success. Managing obesity is not just about weight loss, it’s about improving overall health, quality of life, and preventing complications.
5
Shifting the Narrative
Calling obesity a lifestyle choice not only ignores its roots, it perpetuates stigma, shifts blame onto people struggling with a chronic disease, and delays urgent, effective responses. Recognising obesity as a health system failure and societal challenge is critical.
6
Moving Forward: Systemic Change
Experts call for a “whole-of-society” strategy: fortify health systems, regulate food marketing, ensure safe environments for physical activity, and teach healthcare providers to treat obesity fairly and compassionately.
Obesity isn’t simply about weight; it’s about wellness physical, emotional, and social, and with the right tools and support, it can be managed effectively.
