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Gains come from understanding obesity

With so much pressure to “fix” things quickly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But obesity is more than a number on the scale, living with excess weight can impact your health. Obesity is a complex, long-term condition that is linked to other health concerns and can affect your quality of life. Lifestyle, genetics, health conditions or medicines can all contribute to weight gain.
 
Understanding the condition can help you see past the myths and recognise what’s truly within your control.  

Obesity is often focused on the weight you’ve got to lose, let’s talk about what you’ve got to gain: more understanding, more support and more small steps that could lead to meaningful change.

Read the facts
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Gains that build one step at a time

Everyone has days that feel easier and days that feel harder, that’s normal.  

But small steps can make a real difference. Research shows that with sustained effort, weight loss is linked with improvements across a range of obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 
 
And beyond health outcomes, the gains can show up in everyday life: sleeping better, feeling less stressed, having more energy, or finding it easier to do the things you enjoy.

Each day offers an opportunity to add something positive, however small.

 

Start today
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Gains that come from support

You don’t have to manage obesity on your own.

A strong support system, from friends and family to support groups and healthcare providers, can help you feel understood, reassured and motivated.

Sharing experiences, swapping ideas and celebrating your gains together with others can make long-term changes feel more sustainable. Even a short conversation with someone who understands can make a meaningful difference.

We believe that everyone deserves to feel empowered in their own body and have access to care without judgement. Find out how you can have open and meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider.

Get prepared
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The facts that help you gain control

Obesity is a long‑term medical condition shaped by lifestyle, genes and even the environment around us – not simply willpower. Learning more about obesity can help you understand why managing weight is challenging, and why progress doesn’t have to mean changing everything at once.

Around 6 in 10 adults in the UK are living with excess weight; about 1 in 4 live with obesity

  • Obesity care is not as simple as eating less and moving more. When it comes to obesity, there are many health benefits to losing weight.

40 to 70% of the risk of developing obesity can be linked to genetics

  • Genes can affect how the body uses food and stores fat. However, lifestyle and environmental factors, like exercise, also influence your weight.

Losing 5 to 10% of your body weight can improve your health

  • In obesity, losing weight can improve your health by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, easing pressure on your joints and improving mood.

Learn more about the symptoms of obesity.

What you can try today

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to obesity. Everyday gains, like knowledge, support and tools, all add up. They can help you feel more energised, more supported and more in tune with what helps you thrive.

Start small, keep steady

It’s not about changing everything all at once, it’s about progress. Building healthy lifestyle habits can start slowly and build up over time. Many people living with obesity experience improvements in their health and wellbeing even with small changes.

The NHS recommends 20 minutes of moderate exercise a day, but this can start gradually and build up over time. You can find ways to add more activity into your life like standing instead of sitting on the bus, or taking the stairs instead of a lift.

When it comes to a balanced diet, you may not know where to start. You can start with a small swap each week:

  • Swap white bread for wholegrain
  • Add a portion of fruit or veg until you reach your 5 a day
  • Choose a lower-fat dairy option (cheese, milk or yoghurt)

A healthier life starts with small, meaningful gains.

Get the support you need

You don't have to manage your weight alone. Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, so there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to managing weight. Your healthcare provider can help find a plan that works for you.

Support can also come from community groups or friends and family. Connecting with others who share your experiences can make a real difference. Support groups, online communities and local programmes can offer shared stories, practical tips and encouragement when motivation dips. Finding the right help makes steady progress easier.

How to start the conversation

Lots of us find it difficult to talk about our weight, even with a healthcare provider. Finding someone who will listen to you and your story is important. Starting a conversation with a pharmacist, doctor or nurse can open the door to finding a plan that works for you. Your healthcare team can support you on your weight management journey – every step of the way.

Conversation starters
  • I'd like to talk about my weight because it's affecting my sleep and energy. Could we discuss what support might help me?
  • I'm worried about my risk of other health conditions and would like an assessment and advice on next steps.
  • I've tried to lose weight on my own and I would like some advice.

You can note these down to take into your appointment.

Questions to ask
  • What checks or tests should I have to assess my health risks?
  • What support options are available for me now?
  • How will we measure progress and agree follow-up?

Use these as a starting point, your healthcare provider can tailor advice to your situation. Find more questions and ways to prepare for you appointment in the conversation guide.

Checklist
  • Note how your weight is affecting your daily life (sleep, energy, mood, pain)
  • List current health conditions and medicines
  • Brief timeline of weight changes and approaches you've tried
  • Flag any problematic symptoms for you
  • Bring the conversation guide to your appointment

Prepare for an appointment with your healthcare provider by reading the ‘Talking to my healthcare provider’ guide.

Take the first step today, talk to your healthcare provider

Prepare for an appointment with your healthcare provider by reading this top tips guide.

Download the conversation guide

References

  1. Lopez-Jimenez F, Almahmeed W, Bays H, et al. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: Mechanistic insights and management strategies: A joint position paper by the World Heart Federation and World Obesity Federation. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2022;29(17):2218 -2237.
  2. National Health Service (NHS). Obesity: Overview. Updated 2023. (Website - accessed April 2026).
  3. NICE Guideline, NG246, 2025. Overweight and obesity management: Overview. Updated January 2026. (Website – accessed April 2026).
  4. Everitt J, Battista-Dowds E, Heggs D, et al. Understanding How Patient Experiences of Support While Attending a Weight Management Service Impacts Engagement, Dropout and Retention: A Semi-Structured Interview Study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2025;38(6):e70159.
  5. The Scottish Health Survey. 2023 edition. Main Report. Published November 2024.
  6. National Survey for Wales, headline results. April 2022 to March 2023, Updated November 2023.
  7. Health Survey Northern Ireland: First Results 2023/24. Published December 2024. Updated May 2025.
  8. NHS Digital 2022 Health Survey for England. 2022 Part 2 (Website – accessed April 2026)
  9. Waalen J. The genetics of human obesity. Transl Res. 2014;164(4):e293-301.
  10. Haase CL, Lopes S, Olsen AH, et al. Weight loss and risk reduction of obesity-related outcomes in 0.5 million people: evidence from a UK primary care database. Int J Obes (Lond). 2021;45(6):e1249-1258.
  11. National Health Service (NHS). Better Health: How to be more active. (Website - accessed April 2026).
  12. National Health Service (NHS). Better Health: Healthy eating when trying to lose weight. (Website - accessed April 2026).
UK26OB00036 | April 2026