How is obesity treated?

A clinician looks beyond weight alone, considering waist measurement, blood pressure, sleep, mental health, medicines, eating patterns, mobility, and conditions linked with excess body fat. These can include Prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Fatty Liver Disease, Gallstones, or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Support may include a dietitian, practical meal planning, gradual activity that fits your joints and fitness, sleep improvement, and help with stress or emotional eating. Prescription weight-management medicine may be considered for some people and requires review of benefits, side effects, and other medicines. Bariatric surgery is another specialist option for selected patients.

Choose one or two measurable habits, such as adding vegetables to a meal, reducing sugary drinks, or taking a planned walk. Keep regular appointments so the plan can be adjusted rather than judged by a single result. Avoid crash diets and unregulated products, which may worsen nutrition or interact with treatment. Ask for support if pain, low mood, or limited mobility makes activity difficult.

Arrange medical review for rapid unexplained weight change, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or swelling. Seek urgent help for chest pain with sweating or difficulty breathing. If you use weight-management medicine, promptly report severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, allergic swelling, or marked mood changes.

Which health checks should I have before choosing treatment? What eating and activity changes fit my routine and medical history? Would a prescription medicine or specialist referral be suitable, and how will we monitor it?