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Obesity Understand the science. Rethink the approach.
The real change in weight loss starts with a deeper insight into obesity.
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Obesity is the result of biological resistance, not lack of willpower [1]

It is a chronic, complex disease [2,12] defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health [2] It is influenced by biological resistance, not just lifestyle[1].

Research shows your body might actively work against weight loss due to:

Hormonal signals that interfere with hunger and fullness[2]
A metabolic slowdown, making calorie burning less efficient[3]
Genetic and environmental triggers that shape weight management[4]

For most people,'just eating less and move more' does not work long-term[5]. Real results begin when you understand and overcome what is really holding you back. This is where a science-backed approach and support from a doctor helps.

Obesity impacts life in more ways than one[6]

Beyond weight gain, obesity can affect your health, your day-to-day routine, and your emotional well-being.[6] It can have the following effects on you:

Increase the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain types of cancers[7,8]

Make doing everyday physical tasks seem difficult[6]

Lead to fatigue, joint pain, or disrupted sleep[6]

Adversely affect your mental well-being[9]

Affect relationships with others and yourself[10]

Obesity Impact Background
Myths and facts about obesity[11]
Myth

Small daily changes (like cutting 100 calories) lead to significant weight loss over time[11].

Fact

Small daily changes rarely lead to lasting weight loss because your body adapt[11].

Myth

Losing weight slowly is always better than losing it fast[11].

Fact

Fast weight loss (under medical supervision) can work too[11].

Myth

You must be ‘mentally ready’ to start losing weight[11].

Fact

You don't need to be 'ready' to start. Progress creates motivation[11].

Obesity Impact Background Obesity Impact Background

Are you living with obesity?

There are different considerations when defining obesity. While Body Mass Index (BMI) can be used to categorize obesity, your doctor may consider additional factors. Some of these factors include the measurement of waist circumference and waist to hip ratio, and the effect that excess weight has on your health or quality of life, whether medically, functionally, or psychologically.[2,6,12,13] BMI is calculated by comparing your weight to your height and can indicate whether you should speak with your doctor.

Calculate your BMI

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kgs
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Know your Body Mass Index (BMI)

It’s important to note that the BMI categories can differ depending on a person’s ethnicity.[6] Remember, your BMI is just one indicator of obesity; it is always best to talk with your doctor about it.

Enter your height and weight to calculate your BMI.

Are you living with obesity?

Your BMI is

Thank you for checking your BMI! Your results suggest you are in the underweight range. (<\18.5kg /m2). [12]

Your weight is in the underweight range

This may be due to a variety of reasons. With the right nutrition and expert support, it's absolutely possible to move toward a healthier weight and feel your best.

Are you living with obesity?

Your BMI is

Thank you for checking your BMI ! Your results suggest your weight is in a healthy range! (18.5-22.9 kg/m2). [12]

Your weight is in a healthy range!

You are doing great! Keep exercising and keep eating healthy. Wishing you good health!

Are you living with obesity?

Your BMI is

Thank you for checking your BMI! Your results suggest you are in the overweight category. (23-24.9 kg/m2). [12]

You're in the overweight category

The good news? Small, expert-guided adjustments can make a big difference to your health and energy levels.

Are you living with obesity?

Your BMI is

Thank you for checking your BMI! Your result indicates obesity (25 kg/m2 & above) [12] that might not be your fault.

You're in the obese category

It can be effectively managed with personalized guidance and care.

Frequently asked questions

Why is losing weight and keeping it off so hard?

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Losing and maintaining weight is challenging because obesity is a chronic disease [2,12], not a choice.[12,14] Your body has natural biological mechanisms—like increased hunger, difficulty feeling full, and metabolic changes—that create resistance to weight loss.[1,8] Even with consistent effort, these factors can make it difficult to achieve lasting results. If you're struggling to reach your goals, it may be because your body is resisting weight loss.[7,14]

What’s the difference between being overweight and obese?

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The main difference between being overweight and obese lies in the degree of excess body fat, which is typically measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI).[2,12]
Overweight: 23-24.9 kg/m2 [2,12]
Being overweight means carrying more body weight than what is considered healthy, but not to the extent where it is considered obesity. It can result from excess fat, muscle, or water retention.

Obese: 25 kg/m2and above [2,12]
Obesity indicates a higher level of excess body fat and poses a greater health risk.

Are there medical treatments for obesity beyond diet and exercise?

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Medical treatments for obesity, including obesity management medicines[15], are available as part of a comprehensive management approach. These clinically proven therapies work alongside essential lifestyle changes[7] — not as replacements. When combined with proper diet and regular exercise, these treatments can help address biological factors affecting appetite, metabolism, and nutrient absorption[1,14,16]. Lifestyle modifications remain the foundation of all obesity management strategies, with medical interventions serving as adjuvants for those who need additional support.[7]

Who is eligible for medical weight management options?

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Adults with a BMI ≥23 or ≥25 kg/m² [12] with weight-related conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure) may qualify. [12] A doctor can evaluate your health history and recommend personalized options.

How do medical weight loss approaches differ from diets?

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Medical weight loss differs from diets by targeting biological barriers like hormones and metabolism, not just calories.[7] Doctor-prescribed treatments combine science-backed therapies with lifestyle changes for long-term results.[7]

What's a healthy rate for lasting weight loss?

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Individuals who achieve gradual weight loss, typically 1-2 kg per week[17], tend to have better long-term success in maintaining their weight loss compared to those who experience rapid weight loss.

References

  1. MacLean PS, Bergouignan A, Cornier MA, Jackman MR. Biology's response to dieting: the impetus for weight regain. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2011;301(3):R581–R600. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00755.2010
  2. World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2025 Jun 9 [cited 2025 May 26]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
  3. Apovian CM, Aronne LJ, Bessesen DH, et al; Endocrine Society. Pharmacological management of obesity: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(2):342-362. doi:10.1210/jc.2014-3415
  4. Institute of Medicine (US) Subcommittee on Military Weight Management. Weight Management: State of the Science and Opportunities for Military Programs. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004. 3, Factors That Influence Body Weight. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221834/
  5. World Obesity Federation. The ROOTS of obesity [Internet]. London: World Obesity Federation; [cited 2025 May 26]. Available from: https://www.worldobesity.org/what-we-do/our-policy-priorities/the-roots-of-obesity
  6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Overweight and obesity: symptoms and diagnosis. Updated March 24, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2024 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/symptoms
  7. Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of  obesity. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):183-197. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012
  8. Ochner CN, Barrios DM, Lee CD, Pi-Sunyer FX. Biological mechanisms that promote weight regain following weight loss in obese humans. Physiol Behav.2013;120:106-113. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.07.009
  9. Roh E, Choi KM. Hormonal gut–brain signaling for the treatment of obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2023;24(4):3384. doi:10.3390/ijms24043384
  10. Sarwer DB, Polonsky HM. The psychosocial burden of obesity. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2016;45(3):677-688. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2016.04.016
  11. Ochner CN, Tsai AG, Kushner RF, Wadden TA. Treating obesity seriously: when recommendations for lifestyle change confront biological adaptations. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015 Mar;3(3):232-4. [cited 2025 May 26]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3606061/
  12. ESI Obesity Guidelines Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism ¦ Volume 26 ¦ Issue 4 ¦ July-August 2022
  13. Busetto L, Dicker D, Frühbeck G, et al. A new framework for the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity in adults. Nat Med. Published online July 5, 2024. doi:10.1038/s41591-024-03095-3
  14. Greenway FL. Physiological adaptations to weight loss and factors favouring weight regain. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39(8):1188-1196. doi:10.1038/ijo.2015.59
  15. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prescription medications to treat overweight & obesity. Reviewed June 2024. Accessed August 5, 2024. 
  16. Melby CL, Paris HL, Foright RM, Peth J. Attenuating the biologic drive for weight regain following weight loss: must what goes down always go back up? Nutrients. 2017;9(5):468. doi:10.3390/nu9050468
  17. Sarwan G, Daley SF, Rehman A. Management of Weight Loss Plateau. [Updated 2024 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK576400/

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