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Conditions

Bariatric surgery · Obesity and metabolism

Obesity

Understand a complex chronic disease, its health effects and options for weight support.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Obesity is a chronic disease involving excess body fat that can impair health.

Possible symptoms

It may have no specific symptom but can be associated with breathlessness, fatigue, reduced mobility, joint pain, snoring or psychological effects.

Causes and associated factors

It develops through interactions among food, activity, sleep, medicines, health conditions, mental health, environment, hormones and genetic susceptibility.

Diagnosis

Assessment combines body mass index, waist size, weight history and checks for complications while recognising the limits of each measure.

Tests

Blood pressure, glucose, lipids, liver tests and other investigations are selected according to context and symptoms.

Course of the condition

Weight and related risks change over time; weight regain is common and does not mean a lack of willpower.

Care options

Personalised support may combine nutrition, activity, sleep, psychological care, medicines and, for selected people, surgery with lifelong follow-up.

When to consult

Seek a respectful assessment if weight affects health, mobility, sleep or quality of life, or if you would like support.

Urgent help

Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, one-sided weakness or confusion needs urgent medical help regardless of body weight.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which factors explain my situation?
  • Which tests and measurements should be monitored?
  • Which medical, nutritional or behavioural options can we try?
  • When would bariatric surgery be discussed?
  • Which signs require urgent assessment?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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