Obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Far from being just an aesthetic issue, excess body weight is linked to an increased risk of numerous chronic diseases and a reduced quality and expectancy of life. More than a personal choice, obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition that requires understanding, empathy, and effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
In this article, you’ll learn what obesity is, its causes, potential health complications, and the most widespread myths surrounding this condition.
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat that may impair health. The most commonly used method for identifying obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures weight relative to height. Generally:
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BMI 18.5–24.9: normal weight
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BMI 25–29.9: overweight
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BMI ≥30: obesity
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Class 1: BMI 30–34.9
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Class 2: BMI 35–39.9
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Class 3 (morbid obesity): BMI ≥40
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Although practical, BMI does not assess body composition (lean mass vs. fat mass), so it may not accurately reflect an individual’s health. In some cases, more detailed assessments are necessary.
💡 Calculate your BMI here and see which category you fall into.
What Causes Obesity?
Obesity is not caused by a single factor. It is a multifactorial condition, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, metabolic, psychological, and behavioral elements.
Main contributing factors:
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Unbalanced diet: high in calories, saturated fats, sugars, and ultra-processed foods
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Physical inactivity: lack of regular movement contributes to fat accumulation
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Genetic factors: people with a family history of obesity are at higher risk
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Hormonal and metabolic disorders: such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and insulin resistance
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Emotional health: conditions like anxiety, depression, and binge eating influence food behaviors
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Medication use: corticosteroids, antidepressants, and antipsychotics may lead to weight gain
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Poor sleep: insufficient or poor-quality sleep affects hormones that regulate hunger and energy usage
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
Obesity is linked to a wide range of chronic diseases and can affect nearly every system in the body. Some of the most common complications include:
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Cardiovascular disease: such as hypertension, heart attack, and heart failure
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Type 2 diabetes
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Sleep apnea
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Cancers: including breast, colon, and esophageal cancers
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Joint disorders: such as osteoarthritis and chronic back or knee pain
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Psychological distress: including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
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Hormonal imbalances and infertility
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Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis): can progress to cirrhosis
📍 Check your body fat percentage here using our body density calculator — a key measure for assessing health risks beyond BMI.
How Is Obesity Treated?
Obesity treatment must be personalized, taking into account the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and any associated conditions. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, dietitians, psychologists, and fitness professionals is ideal.
Key strategies include:
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Nutritional changes: a balanced diet rich in fiber, vegetables, lean proteins, and low in sugar and saturated fats
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Physical activity: regular exercise tailored to the individual’s capacity
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Behavioral therapy: to address emotional eating patterns, anxiety, or self-sabotaging behaviors
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Medication: may be prescribed when appropriate, always with medical supervision
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Bariatric surgery: reserved for cases of severe obesity or when other methods have not worked
🎯 Find your ideal weight here based on your height and set realistic health goals.
🍽️ Calculate your daily calorie intake
💧 Check your recommended daily water consumption
Myths and Facts About Obesity
“People with obesity are just lazy and eat too much.”
❌ Myth. Obesity goes far beyond eating habits. Hormonal, genetic, and emotional factors also play a critical role.
“Obesity is just a cosmetic issue.”
❌ Myth. It’s a medical condition with serious physical and mental health implications.
“All obese people are unhealthy.”
🟡 Partially true. While obesity raises health risks, some people with excess weight may have normal test results for a time — but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free.
“It’s impossible to lose weight in a healthy way.”
❌ Myth. Though challenging, healthy weight loss is entirely achievable with proper guidance and long-term lifestyle changes.
“Overweight children will naturally slim down as they grow.”
❌ Myth. Children with obesity are more likely to become obese adults, emphasizing the importance of early prevention.
Conclusion
Obesity is a complex medical condition that demands more than judgment or willpower — it requires science-based solutions, compassionate care, and public health initiatives. By understanding the underlying causes and rejecting harmful myths, we can build a more supportive environment that empowers individuals to take control of their health.
