Explore in-depth guidance on overweight and BMI, including common symptoms, causes, and medical treatment options.
Understand how being overweight affects your health, and learn when to seek support. Reviewed by Dr Jackir Hussain GP.
Ready to learn more or check if you are eligible for medical weight loss treatments? Use the links below to get started.
Lose up to 26% body weight
Free, fast and discreet delivery
12,255 reviews and counting
Written by
Medicspot Staff Author
Author
Reviewed by
Jackir Hussain
Doctor
Last Updated:
Next Review: Jul 31, 2027
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.
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.
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.
If you are concerned about your weight or if your BMI falls into the overweight category, it is important to speak with a GP or healthcare professional. They can offer guidance on safe, effective weight management strategies and assess your risk of weight-related health conditions.
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.
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.
If 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 interventions for being overweight may include behavioural therapy, prescribed weight management programmes, medications that support weight loss, or in more severe cases, referral to a specialist for further evaluation. These treatments are often combined with lifestyle changes for best results.
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.
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.
Managing 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.
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.
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.
Children being overweight can lead to lifelong health issues if not addressed early. Promoting balanced diets, regular physical activity, and healthy habits within the family setting is essential to prevent and manage childhood overweight.
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Managing weight through a healthy diet and safe levels of exercise is important for the wellbeing of both mother and baby.
Older adults who are overweight face increased risks of mobility limitations, osteoarthritis, and chronic diseases. Tailored exercise programmes focusing on strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness are important for this population.
Becoming 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take the first step towards a healthier future with Medicspot today.
Ready to find out if you are eligible for treatment? Get started
Want to talk to an advisor first? Book a free call
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.
