What Is Obesity? More Than Just Weight Gain

Obesity is a complex disease involving too much body fat. Although it may appear to be a cosmetic concern, it is in fact a medical condition that increases the risk of many other diseases.¹ Obesity is diagnosed using body mass index (BMI), a measure calculated from a person’s weight and height. A BMI of 30 or above indicates obesity.¹ Obesity affects both children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, obesity has increased a lot over the past 30 years. Between 1990 and 2022:²

• The number of children and adolescents living with obesity increased fourfold, with approximately 8 in every 100 young people worldwide now affected
• In adults, obesity has more than doubled, with around 16 in every 100 adults globally living with obesity

Obesity usually develops slowly over time when more calories are consumed than the body uses. The excess energy is stored as fat. Several factors increase the risk of obesity, including physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary patterns (such as high intake of saturated fat and foods rich in added sugars), insufficient good-quality sleep, high levels of stress, certain medical conditions and the use of specific medications.³

People living with obesity have a higher risk of developing a range of serious health problems. These include heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, liver disease, sleep apnoea (a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep) and joint pain or osteoarthritis. Obesity can also affect daily life; individuals may feel fatigued more easily or find it difficult to engage in physical activities they enjoy. In addition to physical health challenges, people living with obesity may experience social stigma or unfair treatment. Overall, obesity can affect both physical health and emotional well-being.¹

Recognising obesity as more than ‘just weight gain’ can help individuals take meaningful steps towards long-term health through small, sustainable changes in diet, physical activity, sleep and stress management.

रेफरेंसः

1. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742. Accessed on: 13 February 2026.
2. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity?utm_source=chatgpt.com#tab=tab_1. Accessed on: 13 February 2026.
3. Overweight and obesity. Causes and risk factors. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/causes?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed on: 13 February 2026.