Being Overweight

What does “overweight” mean?

Being overweight means having more body weight than is considered healthy for a given height. It is often measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation based on height and weight.

How is BMI used?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a widely used screening tool that categorises individuals based on their weight relative to their height. It provides an estimate of body fat and helps assess whether a person falls into the categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

Is being overweight serious?

Yes. Being overweight increases the risk of developing several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. Even moderate excess weight can significantly impact overall health.

When and how to get help with overweight

If you are concerned about your weight or if your BMI falls into the overweight category, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can offer guidance on safe, effective weight management strategies and assess your risk of weight-related health conditions.

How to know if you are overweight

You may be considered overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9. Additional signs may include difficulty with physical activity, breathlessness on exertion, increased fatigue, and the presence of weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels.

Typical signs and symptoms of being overweight

People who are overweight might experience greater fatigue, joint or back pain, snoring or sleep disturbances, and reduced stamina during physical activities. Psychological symptoms such as lowered self-esteem or body dissatisfaction may also occur.

Complications of not treating being overweight

If being overweight is not addressed, it can lead to serious health issues including an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnoea. It can also contribute to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

What causes someone to become overweight?

Weight gain typically occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure over time. Factors contributing to this imbalance include a poor diet high in processed foods and sugars, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, emotional eating, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.

Risk factors for becoming overweight

Several factors increase the likelihood of becoming overweight, including a family history of obesity, poor dietary habits, lack of regular physical activity, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and socioeconomic factors that limit access to healthy food and exercise opportunities.

Is being overweight hereditary or lifestyle-based?

Being overweight can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors. While genetics can influence metabolism and fat storage, lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining body weight.

How is being overweight diagnosed?

Overweight is usually diagnosed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight status. Healthcare providers may also measure waist circumference to assess abdominal fat, which is a key risk factor for metabolic diseases.

Tests and assessments used to identify being overweight

Healthcare professionals may perform assessments including BMI calculation, waist-to-hip ratio measurement, and body fat percentage analysis. Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid function may also be recommended to identify underlying health risks.

Medical treatment for dealing with being overweight

Medical interventions for being overweight may include behavioural therapy, prescribed weight management programmes ormedications that support weight loss]. These treatments are often combined with lifestyle changes for best results.

Therapies and interventions for being overweight

Structured weight loss programmes, nutritional counselling, exercise prescriptions, and psychological support for behavioural change are effective interventions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended to help address emotional eating patterns and motivation barriers.

Do medications help with being overweight?

In certain cases, medications that reduce appetite or fat absorption can be prescribed to support weight loss. However, they are typically recommended only when lifestyle interventions alone have not been successful, and they are most effective when combined with ongoing diet and exercise efforts. These can include GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. 

Lifestyle changes to manage being overweight

Managing being overweight involves adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while reducing processed foods and sugary drinks. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week, and establishing consistent sleep patterns are also key components.

Home remedies and self-help strategies

Self-help strategies can include keeping a food diary, setting realistic and incremental goals, planning meals ahead of time, practising mindful eating techniques, and seeking support from friends, family, or weight loss support groups.

When should you get medical help for being overweight?

You should seek medical advice if your BMI falls into the overweight range, if you have difficulty losing weight through lifestyle changes alone, or if you experience health issues that may be linked to your weight, such as high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar levels.

Some groups need tailored assessment. People with PCOS or a family history of type 2 diabetes may develop insulin resistance at lower BMI values. Older adults benefit from plans that preserve muscle and balance while targeting fat loss. For those planning pregnancy, clinicians provide advice on safe weight management before conception.

Can you prevent being overweight?

Overweight can often be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep from an early age.

Tips to reduce your risk

To reduce the risk of becoming overweight, focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods, limiting intake of high-calorie processed foods, engaging in consistent physical activity, monitoring portion sizes, and addressing emotional eating habits early.

Living with being overweight

Managing being overweight is a long-term commitment that requires lifestyle changes, ongoing support, and resilience. It is important to focus on overall health improvements rather than just the number on the scale.

How to manage overweight in the long term

Long-term weight management involves maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, ongoing self-monitoring, adapting strategies when challenges arise, and seeking professional help when needed to sustain motivation and address setbacks.

Our mission

Medicspot is dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving healthier weights through evidence-based, compassionate healthcare. We believe in empowering patients with the tools and support needed for sustainable success.

How to get treatment

Take the first step towards a healthier future with Medicspot today.

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Dr Jackir Hussain is a GP who has been a doctor for 14 years after obtaining his medical degree from the University of Manchester, England. He has worked across a range of primary care settings and has special interests in weight management and telemedicine.

Dr Abby Hyams completed her medical training in Bristol and has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases, the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.