Obesity is not about appearance. It’s a health condition that increases your risk of developing problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer.
The good news is that even small steps can make a big difference to your health.
Obesity is when a person carries too much body fat in a way that may harm their health.
The most common way to check this is by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI). This is a measure that compares your weight to your height. A BMI of:
For some people, especially those from Asian, Black or other ethnic minority backgrounds, health risks can start at a lower BMI — around 27.5. Your healthcare team can explain what this means for you.
Carrying extra weight can put strain on your body and increase your risk of several long-term conditions, including:
Obesity can also affect your mental health. Many people living with obesity experience low self-esteem, anxiety or depression.
Weight is affected by many things, including biology, hormones, mental health, medicines, sleep, and the environment you live in.
For many people, losing weight and keeping it off is difficult. This is not a personal failure. It is often because your body works to return to its previous weight, even when you're making healthy changes.
That’s why support, information and compassion all matter.
Obesity affects around 1 in 4 adults in the UK. It’s one of the most common health conditions, and many people are managing it every day, just like you.
You may have tried to lose weight before, and that can feel frustrating or disheartening. But it’s never too late to improve your health, and small changes really do add up.
If you feel judged or unsupported, you’re not alone in that either. People living with obesity sometimes face stigma, even within healthcare. But your health is important, and you deserve care and support without shame or blame.
Managing obesity is not about doing everything at once. Even small changes in weight, sleep, eating habits or activity levels can improve your health and how you feel.
In this pathway, you’ll find information about:
You can choose what feels right for you and go at your own pace.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about your individual care. The information reflects NHS and NICE guidance at the time of publication.
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