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Obesity

How to tell if you're obese

The most widely used method to check if you're a healthy weight is body mass index (BMI).

BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height. You can use the NHS BMI healthy weight calculator to work out your score.

For most adults, a BMI of:

  • 18.5 to 24.9 means you're a healthy weight
  • 25 to 29.9 means you're overweight
  • 30 to 39.9 means you're obese
  • 40 or above means you're severely obese

BMI is not used to diagnose obesity because people who are very muscular can have a high BMI without much fat.

But for most people, BMI is a useful indication of whether they're a healthy weight.

A better measure of excess fat is waist size, which can be used as an additional measure in people who are overweight (with a BMI of 25 to 29.9) or moderately obese (with a BMI of 30 to 34.9).

Generally, men with a waist size of 94cm or more and women with a waist size of 80cm or more are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems.

Causes of obesity

Obesity is generally caused by consuming more calories, particularly those in fatty and sugary foods, than you burn off through physical activity. The excess energy is stored by the body as fat.

Obesity is an increasingly common problem because for many people modern living involves eating excessive amounts of cheap high-calorie food and spending a lot of time sitting down at desks, on sofas or in cars.

Find out why sitting too much is bad for your health

There are also some underlying health conditions that can occasionally contribute to weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), although these types of conditions do not usually cause weight problems if they're effectively controlled with medicines.

Treating obesity

The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly.

To do this, you should:

  • eat a balanced calorie-controlled diet as recommended by a GP or weight loss management health professional (such as a dietitian)
  • join a local weight loss group
  • take up activities such as fast walking, jogging, swimming or tennis for 150 to 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) a week
  • eat slowly and avoid situations where you know you could be tempted to overeat

You may also benefit from receiving psychological support from a trained healthcare professional to help change the way you think about food and eating.

If lifestyle changes alone do not help you lose weight, a medicine called orlistat may be recommended.

If taken correctly, this medicine works by reducing the amount of fat you absorb during digestion. Your GP will know whether orlistat is suitable for you.

In some cases, weight loss surgery may be recommended.

Adults are generally considered obese if they have a body mass index of 30 or above.

The main treatment for obesity is a reduced-calorie diet and an exercise plan. Less common treatments include weight loss medicines and surgery.

Obesity is usually caused by eating and drinking too much and moving too little.

Related links

Obesity

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

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2,859 public posts

FET and obesity

Hi we had 1 embryo to freeze and paid for 2 years storage and now that 2 years is due to end! I’ve gained a lot of weight in the 2 years since having our baby girl and now classed as obese. I just wondered if anyone else who’s obese had success with a FET? Hubby worries it won’t be successful due to
Hi we had 1 embryo to freeze and paid for 2 years storage and now that 2 years is due to end! I’ve gained a lot of weight in the 2 years since having our baby girl and now classed as obese. I just wondered if anyone else who’s obese had success with a FET? Hubby worries it won’t be successful due to
Chasingdreams20 profile image
Chasingdreams20
in Fertility Network UK
6 months ago

Running and obesity - 10 months on from starting C25K.

The brutal truth is, I have not addressed my obesity and it continues to hold me back. My BMI is 35. I know I am way stronger and fitter than I was, but 3 miles remains a distant goal for me. I generally cover about 2.2 miles when pootling about. I wish I could sort myself out.
The brutal truth is, I have not addressed my obesity and it continues to hold me back. My BMI is 35. I know I am way stronger and fitter than I was, but 3 miles remains a distant goal for me. I generally cover about 2.2 miles when pootling about. I wish I could sort myself out.
MrsLydiaWickham profile image
MrsLydiaWickham
Graduatein Couch to 5K
5 months ago

Body Composition and Pelvic Fat Distribution

Obesity is among the risk factors for prostate cancer, and some evidence has pointed to a greater rate of biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer in patients with obesity.
Obesity is among the risk factors for prostate cancer, and some evidence has pointed to a greater rate of biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer in patients with obesity.
E2-Guy profile image
E2-Guy
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
3 months ago
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Metabolic Syndrome & Survival

"Men with obesity tend to be insulin resistant and often have low-normal testosterone concentrations."
"Men with obesity tend to be insulin resistant and often have low-normal testosterone concentrations."
pca2004 profile image
pca2004
in Fight Prostate Cancer
1 month ago

How long between huge weight loss till huge weight gain?

the nurse was too lazy to actually weigh me this wasn't picked up for another month and I have gone from a size 14 to a size 8 in clothes size,my question is how quickly will I regain all that weight and probably end up being overweight or obese according to the NHS as they appear to be obsessed with obesity
the nurse was too lazy to actually weigh me this wasn't picked up for another month and I have gone from a size 14 to a size 8 in clothes size,my question is how quickly will I regain all that weight and probably end up being overweight or obese according to the NHS as they appear to be obsessed with obesity
sobs1962 profile image
sobs1962
in Thyroid UK
10 months ago

Taurine Supplementation as a Neuroprotective Strategy upon Brain Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes 2022

On the other hand, models of insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin resistance, and diet-induced obesity display taurine accumulation in the hippocampus.
On the other hand, models of insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin resistance, and diet-induced obesity display taurine accumulation in the hippocampus.
Bolt_Upright profile image
Bolt_Upright
in Cure Parkinson's
7 months ago

My wife of 40 years and APS

look up insulin resistance which what causes obesity diabetes hypertension and inflammation which all makes APS worse. Good luck
look up insulin resistance which what causes obesity diabetes hypertension and inflammation which all makes APS worse. Good luck
nmousdic profile image
nmousdic
in Hughes Syndrome APS Forum
4 months ago

Relationship with food

I need some advice on not overeating, bored eating, etc. I didn’t think I overate much but my weight just keeps going up and it makes me so depressed. I am going to talk to my therapist and doctor soon so please don’t recommend that. I’m just looking for some friendly people to give their advice on what
I need some advice on not overeating, bored eating, etc. I didn’t think I overate much but my weight just keeps going up and it makes me so depressed. I am going to talk to my therapist and doctor soon so please don’t recommend that. I’m just looking for some friendly people to give their advice on what
Keep_Going profile image
Keep_Going
in Healthy Eating
26 days ago

Procedure for Morbidly Obese with AFIB

I’ve had AFIB for about 6 years now and am morbidly obese. Up until I got Covid a year ago, I was very well controlled on propafenone plus Bystolic. I can always tell when I go into or out of AFIB and have an app on my phone that confirms this. A couple of months ago I had the worse constant attack
I’ve had AFIB for about 6 years now and am morbidly obese. Up until I got Covid a year ago, I was very well controlled on propafenone plus Bystolic. I can always tell when I go into or out of AFIB and have an app on my phone that confirms this. A couple of months ago I had the worse constant attack
jackibar profile image
jackibar
in AF Association
29 days ago

Happy New Year

The boarding of flight 2023 has been announced ....Your luggage should only contain three best souvenirs from 2022 .... The bad and sad moments should be left behind ..... The duration of the flight will be 12 months, with stops. So tighten your seat belt. The next stop overs will be: The Islands of
The boarding of flight 2023 has been announced ....Your luggage should only contain three best souvenirs from 2022 .... The bad and sad moments should be left behind ..... The duration of the flight will be 12 months, with stops. So tighten your seat belt. The next stop overs will be: The Islands of
kitchengardener2 profile image
kitchengardener2
in CLL Support
1 month ago

First COVID Antibody Test

I just got the results back from my first COVID antibody test. It said that my antibody level is 150. Is this a decent level? It is difficult to find much information on this. I am trying to see if I can feel a little secure if we have family over for Christmas. I will probably wear a mask and
I just got the results back from my first COVID antibody test. It said that my antibody level is 150. Is this a decent level? It is difficult to find much information on this. I am trying to see if I can feel a little secure if we have family over for Christmas. I will probably wear a mask and
noeagaman profile image
noeagaman
in CLL Support
2 months ago

EBI2 is a negative modulator of brown adipose tissue energy expenditure in mice and human brown adipocytes

[i]EBI2 is a negative modulator of brown adipose tissue energy expenditure in mice and human brown adipocytes Abstract Pharmacological activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive approach for increasing energy expenditure to counteract obesity.
[i]EBI2 is a negative modulator of brown adipose tissue energy expenditure in mice and human brown adipocytes Abstract Pharmacological activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an attractive approach for increasing energy expenditure to counteract obesity.
helvella profile image
helvella
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
10 months ago

Need help with understanding SARS antibody test results.

Hi, can anyone explain what this antibody test result means? Thank you 🙏🏻 © SARS-CoV-2 S Antibody U/mL Value Positive Standard Range Non Reactive U/mL SARS-Cov-2 S Antibody Quantitative U/mL value >250.00 Standard Range 0.00 - 0.79 U/mL
Hi, can anyone explain what this antibody test result means? Thank you 🙏🏻 © SARS-CoV-2 S Antibody U/mL Value Positive Standard Range Non Reactive U/mL SARS-Cov-2 S Antibody Quantitative U/mL value >250.00 Standard Range 0.00 - 0.79 U/mL
SeaChanty profile image
SeaChanty
in CLL Support
3 months ago

Recent test results related to current Covid-19

If anyone is interested, posting recent experience Had 3 Pfizer and two Moderna Vaccines, made zero antibodies. Was on ibrutinib during all vaccines Had full dose Evusheld March 1st, seven weeks later had 740 antibodies Infected with covid July 21, got Bebtelovimab July 22nd. Took 80 days to rapid
If anyone is interested, posting recent experience Had 3 Pfizer and two Moderna Vaccines, made zero antibodies. Was on ibrutinib during all vaccines Had full dose Evusheld March 1st, seven weeks later had 740 antibodies Infected with covid July 21, got Bebtelovimab July 22nd. Took 80 days to rapid
Davidcara profile image
Davidcara
in CLL Support
3 months ago

AF AND DIET

After having AF on and off for a week I have decided I am going to lose a stone in weight. I don’t eat red meat, I don’t drink never smoked. I have always stuck to the Slimming World rules but something stops me from losing weight. Have low fat everything but my weight stays the same which is
After having AF on and off for a week I have decided I am going to lose a stone in weight. I don’t eat red meat, I don’t drink never smoked. I have always stuck to the Slimming World rules but something stops me from losing weight. Have low fat everything but my weight stays the same which is
Gillybean123 profile image
Gillybean123
in AF Association
3 months ago

Not losing weight - help!!

Hello All, I started exercising about 1 month ago. Mostly weights but have now started adding cardio. I haven’t even lost 1lb in weight. I’ve lost about 2 inches off my waist. My shoulders, arms & legs are clearly taking on shape…I just haven’t lost any weight. I am diabetic & take metformin & gliclazide
Hello All, I started exercising about 1 month ago. Mostly weights but have now started adding cardio. I haven’t even lost 1lb in weight. I’ve lost about 2 inches off my waist. My shoulders, arms & legs are clearly taking on shape…I just haven’t lost any weight. I am diabetic & take metformin & gliclazide
Rickyg83 profile image
Rickyg83
in Weight Loss Support
3 months ago

Leg pain

I have been doing C25K on a treadmill in a gym and just got to be able to do 30 mins non-stop. Can’t recall what week/day that equates to. I find it ok apart from the lower leg muscle discomfort and wonder if anyone else gets this. Basically calves feel very heavy and stiff, and afterwards the muscles
I have been doing C25K on a treadmill in a gym and just got to be able to do 30 mins non-stop. Can’t recall what week/day that equates to. I find it ok apart from the lower leg muscle discomfort and wonder if anyone else gets this. Basically calves feel very heavy and stiff, and afterwards the muscles
NigelS profile image
NigelS
in Couch to 5K
4 months ago

Recommendations of vitamins to take

Hi, I’ve had an Hypothyroid now for 10 years, when I was diagnosed I was put on 50mcg and now I’m on 100. I still struggle with my weight I’ve stayed the same weight now for 2 years even though I workout regularly as in 4-6 times per week, which sometimes can be a struggle and I do get very tired at
Hi, I’ve had an Hypothyroid now for 10 years, when I was diagnosed I was put on 50mcg and now I’m on 100. I still struggle with my weight I’ve stayed the same weight now for 2 years even though I workout regularly as in 4-6 times per week, which sometimes can be a struggle and I do get very tired at
Zoralw5 profile image
Zoralw5
in Thyroid UK
4 months ago

sorry I have been on vacation for a while

pre vacation 64.4kg today's weight 61. 7kg and believe it or not I lost the weight on vacation in the USA i am at a cross roads do I continue with the weight loss journey until I reach 58kg and join the maintainers club or do I join the maintainers club now i am female and 165cm tall and I am
pre vacation 64.4kg today's weight 61. 7kg and believe it or not I lost the weight on vacation in the USA i am at a cross roads do I continue with the weight loss journey until I reach 58kg and join the maintainers club or do I join the maintainers club now i am female and 165cm tall and I am
Fatgorrilla profile image
Fatgorrilla
2022 Julyin Weight Loss Support
4 months ago

Preparing for antibodies test

Good morning, my GP has approved an antibodies test and a full blood count (the only 2 things that were missing from my last test on 3rd October). I’ve never had an antibody test before Am I okay taking b12 & b complex prior to both these tests or should I refrain until after? And should I
Good morning, my GP has approved an antibodies test and a full blood count (the only 2 things that were missing from my last test on 3rd October). I’ve never had an antibody test before Am I okay taking b12 & b complex prior to both these tests or should I refrain until after? And should I
SleepingDisco profile image
SleepingDisco
in Thyroid UK
4 months ago
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