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Treating obesity

Obesity care is more than just weight loss

Obesity is often misunderstood, surrounded by stigma at school, work, and even within healthcare settings. Rethinking obesity care involves thinking about how to best take care of our health, where weight loss is just one of several outcomes of a holistic, personalised approach to health.

obesity-is-more-than-just-weight-loss

What does good obesity care look like?

Finding a good obesity care plan often involves a collaborative effort with a healthcare team. This can include doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians and psychologists. 
Together, they can help set a realistic weight management plan based on health goals.  Some evidence-based treatments that can help people living with obesity to proactively manage their health include:

  • Nutritional guidance
  • Behaviour modification
  • Physical activity
  • Medical interventions

By providing the right tools, support, and guidance, good obesity care can help people with obesity improve the physiological, physical and mental health complications associated with obesity. Reframing obesity care as more than just weight loss in the eyes of people living with obesity, healthcare professionals, and society at large is a step toward people living with obesity receiving the care they deserve, without bias or stigma. 

Why is caring for obesity broader than weight loss?

Obesity is not just about weight gain. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that can put individuals at risk of many other physiological, physical and mental health complications such as high blood pressure, joint pain and depression to name a few. Therefore, good obesity care should not just be about weight loss. In addition to weight loss, good obesity care can also help to treat the health complications associated with obesity.

How can good obesity care improve the complications related to obesity?

Improving the complications related to obesity involves a comprehensive approach that looks at all aspects of your health: physiological, physical, and mental.

Physiological complications

Weight loss: losing weight can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by improving how your body processes insulin.

Hormonal balance: reaching a healthier weight can help regulate hormones, especially in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Cancer and breathing risks: keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve sleep apnea and other breathing issues.

Physical complications

Joint pain relief: losing weight can ease pressure on your joints, making it easier to move around without pain.



Boost your fitness: regular physical activity can help you become stronger and more energetic, making daily tasks easier to handle.



Skin health: staying at a healthy weight can lower the risk of skin problems that often come with obesity.



Digestive comfort: managing your weight can help reduce issues like acid reflux, making you feel more comfortable.

Mental health complications

Improved body image: taking steps to manage your weight can positively affect how you feel about yourself.

Better mental health: caring for your obesity can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression that might be related to your weight.

By focusing on a holistic approach that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and emotional support, you can significantly improve the complications related to obesity and enhance your overall well-being. Always remember to talk to your healthcare provider for personalised advice and support tailored to your needs.

References:
  1. Rubino F, Puhl RM, Cummings DE, et al, 2020. Joint international consensus statement for ending stigma of obesity. Nat Med. (26):485-497.
  2. National Health Service (NHS). Treatment. Obesity. (Website – accessed December 2025).
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2025.Overweight and obesity management. NICE guideline NG246. (Website – accessed December 2025).
  4. Haase CL, Lopes S, Olsen AH, et al, 2021. Weight loss and risk reduction of obesity-related outcomes in 0.5 million people: evidence from a UK primary care database. Int J of Obesity. 45(6):1249-1258.
  5. Pandey S, Pandey S, Maheshwari A, et al, 2010. The impact of female obesity on the outcome of fertility treatment. J Hum Reprod Sci. 3(2): 62–67.
  6. Bray G, Kim K, Wilding JPH, et al, 2017. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. World Obesity Federation Position Statement. Obes Rev. 18:715–723.
  7. The Association of UK Dieticians (BDA). Osteoarthritis and diet.  (Website – accessed December 2025).
  8. Raud B, Gay C, Guiget-Auclair C, et al, 2020. Level of obesity is directly associated with the clinical and functional consequences of knee osteoarthritis. Sci Rep. 10(1):3601.
  9. National Health Service (NHS). Live well. Benefits of exercise. (Website – accessed December 2025).
  10. Palanivel JA, Millington GWM, 2023. Obesity‐induced immunological effects on the skin. Skin Health Dis. 3(3):e160.
  11. Singh M, Lee J, Gupta N, et al. 2013. Weight Loss Can Lead to Resolution of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms: A Prospective Intervention Trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 21(2):284-290.
  12. Dandgey S, Patten E, 2023. Psychological considerations for the holistic management of obesity. Clin Med (Lond). 23(4):318–322.
  13. National Health Service (NHS). Overview: obesity. Updated 2023. (Website – accessed December 2025).
  14. Sarwer DB, Polonsky HM, 2016. The Psychosocial Burden of Obesity. Endocrin Metab Clin North Am. 45(3):677-688.

All images are for illustrative purposes only.

UK25OB00165 | December 2025

Treating obesity
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