Frequently asked
questions

Excess weight is rarely just about diet and exercise. It can be caused by a mix of things, like:

• Genes
• How your body stores and uses energy
• Your environment
• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Everyday habits
• Underlying medical conditions

Visit why weight matters to learn more about some of the causes of excess weight and obesity. 

There is no simple cure, but excess weight or obesity can be managed. Many people are able to improve their health by making changes to their lifestyle and getting support.
It is a long journey, not a quick fix.

Visit understanding weight management to learn more about lifestyle changes.

Severe obesity, or ‘class 3 obesity’, means having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more. You may also have heard this called ‘morbid obesity’ in the past. Healthcare providers sometimes use the term ‘severe obesity’ when the risks to a person’s health (due to their weight) are high.


Visit why weight matters to learn more about BMI categories.

Yes, this is one of the most important reasons to think about making lifestyle changes. Obesity can increase your risk of several serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or liver and kidney disease. The good news? Even a small amount of weight loss can bring real benefits.


Visit beyond weight to learn more about the health risks of living with excess weight.

Yes, living with overweight or obesity can be linked to low self-esteem and depression, especially when faced with unkind attitudes or stigma. That’s why it’s important to take care of your emotional wellbeing as part of your overall weight management.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A good place to start is with small, realistic changes to how you eat, move and sleep. Getting support from your healthcare provider or a weight management service can make a big difference too.


Visit understanding weight management to learn more about changes you can make.

If you are finding it hard to lose weight, you are not alone. It can take several months of making lifestyle changes before you start to see changes in your weight. Weight is impacted by many things that go beyond willpower, like stress, sleep and medical conditions. Ask your healthcare provider for help finding a plan that works for you.

Moving your body is an important part of losing weight and keeping it off. But it also boosts mood, sleep and energy levels. Try to find an activity you enjoy so it becomes a positive part of your routine. Lifestyle changes take time and effort, but you do not have to face them alone. Finding someone to get active with you can provide the encouragement you need to keep going.


If you want to become more active, read and download our guide ‘exercising at my pace’.

Dieting does not have to be about heavily restricting what you eat. Instead of cutting out entire food groups or going without food for long periods of time, focus on making small, long-term changes to how and what you eat. This might mean eating more slowly, choosing foods that keep you fuller for longer or adding more fruit, vegetables or wholegrains to your meals. These work better than strict ‘crash’ diets. Remember, it’s about building positive habits that support your health.

If you want to plan ahead and make healthy food choices, why not print off a copy of our meal planner?

It is best to find an approach that works for you. Calories are the amount of energy in food or drinks. If you eat and drink more calories than you use, your body stores the excess energy as body fat. When you eat and drink fewer calories than you use, your body uses the stored energy from body fat. For some people, calorie counting helps them feel more aware of what the ’re eating. For other people, it adds stress. Calorie counting can be part of a balanced approach for long-term wellbeing, which could also include:

• Practising mindful eating – learn more about mindful eating here
• Prioritising foods that are rich in nutrients
• Settling realistic goals
• Considering your portion sizes
• Building positive habits

Most importantly, find an approach that works for you and focuses on your overall health and wellbeing.

If you’re not sure you want to count calories, but do want to be more mindful of what you’re eating, why not print off a copy of our meal planner?

Emotional eating means turning to food when you are feeling stressed, low or bored – and not just because you are hungry. It is more common than you might think and learning new coping strategies can help. You could try taking 5 minutes to think about the reason why you want to eat something, as this can stop impulsive decision making. Or why not first have a glass of water and walk around your home. This gives you time to work out if you are actually hungry or whether you were making the decision to eat based on your emotional state.

You can also try practising mindfulness to help manage emotional eating. This can help you pay attention to the present moment, such as taking deep breaths or meditating.

Remember, it is important to be kind to yourself and find joy in the things you do. You may want to make a list of ways that can help you relax and cope with your emotions, such as:

• Walking
• Journaling
• Listening to music
• Spending time with friends or family

Yes, building healthy habits takes time and being kind to yourself. You might try journalling, mindfulness or talking to a support group. You could also download a habit-tracker app on your phone or take 5 minutes each evening to celebrate one positive choice you made that day.

It is completely normal for motivation to dip – everyone experiences this at times. Instead of thinking about what you have not achieved yet, try to focus on the habits you are building. Taking small and consistent steps can help you make great progress over time.



Think about how far you have come, rather than how far there is left to go. Celebrate the positive gains you have made, like having more energy, sleeping better or feeling more confident. These are all signs of real progress. Each step you take can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing. 

Slip ups happen to everyone. Progress is not about perfection, it is about continuing after a setback. Celebrate your good days. On your bad days, remember that tomorrow is a chance to try again. Try to remind yourself that one bad choice doesn’t need to define your whole day. If you start off with an unhealthy breakfast or lunch, there is still time to make a nutritious dinner.

Obesity can affect fertility in both women and men. If you are thinking about starting a family, discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can offer advice for you and your situation.  

You do not need to explain everything to everyone. This is your journey and your choice, so focus on those who listen and support you. It is okay to say: “I’m focusing on making small, positive changes for my long-term health.”

Making healthier choices does not mean the end of your social life. You can still enjoy meals out while staying on track. A little planning ahead – such as choosing what you will eat ahead of time – can help you feel in control of what you are eating. You could also suggest things to do with your family and friends that help you be more active, such as going for a walk in the park or trying out a new sport together.