Obesity & weight management

Obesity is excess body fat that raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease and joint problems. It's a medical condition, not a willpower failure, and is managed with sustainable changes to eating and activity, with medical or surgical options for some.

Symptoms

• Excess body fat (often assessed with BMI and waist size)
• Breathlessness on exertion
• Joint pain
• Higher blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol

When to see a doctor

• To set a safe, realistic plan
• If weight affects breathing, joints or mood
• To screen for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol

FAQs

How much weight loss makes a difference?

Losing even 5–10% of body weight can meaningfully improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol — the goal is steady, sustainable change rather than crash diets.