Excess body weight that raises the long-term risk of diabetes, hypertension and joint problems — often reversible with sustained changes.
Obesity is a chronic condition involving excess body fat that raises the long-term risk of diabetes, hypertension, joint problems and heart disease. It's rarely about willpower alone — genetics, metabolism, environment and mental health all play a role — but the encouraging part is that even modest, sustained weight loss meaningfully reduces health risks.
Weight gain results from a sustained imbalance between energy intake and energy used, but what drives that imbalance differs from person to person — diet composition, activity levels, sleep, stress, certain medications and underlying health conditions can all contribute.
Effective management is usually gradual and sustainable rather than drastic — realistic changes to diet and activity levels, supported by regular follow-up to track progress and adjust the approach. For some people, an underlying medical cause needs to be checked for and addressed alongside lifestyle changes.
Ask us about: a General Medicine review to check blood pressure and blood sugar alongside your weight.
