Obesity is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and now surpasses malnutrition as a cause of death worldwide. But being overweight is not always due to a lack of willpower or exercise.

Studies show that obesity is linked to a number of factors – some controllable and some not. These include behavior, genetics, environment, socioeconomics and metabolism. For some people, no amount of dieting or exercising alone will help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is a disease affecting more than 42% of adult Americans. This is compared with some 74% of adult Americans who are considered overweight, including those who are obese. Obesity also impacts more than 18% of children in the U.S.

Globally, the number of people with obesity has tripled since the 1970s. The World Health Organization estimates 13% of the world population is now considered obese and the numbers may actually be higher.

Bariatric surgery may be the best option for long-term weight loss. Find out if you're a candidate >

Obesity directly impacts your emotional and physical well–being. Being obese means you are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as:

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Heart disease and stroke
• GERD
• Arthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers
• Anxiety and depression

People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30, you’re considered overweight. If you’re overweight, losing even 5% of your body weight reduces your risk of developing chronic conditions.

If you have a BMI greater than 30, you’re considered obese.

Obesity is a condition in which the body stores excess energy in the form of fat. You’re considered obese if you weigh 20% or more over your ideal body weight or have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

Obesity is also categorized by severity:

• Class 1: BMI of 30 to <35
• Class 2: BMI of 35 to <40
• Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher

Our BMI calculator will let you easily calculate your BMI:

Morbid obesity is a condition in which individuals are at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight or have a body mass index of 40 or higher. Morbid obesity can result from emotional, biochemical and genetic influences. It’s a potentially dangerous condition because it’s a risk factor for other medical problems that may lead to disability and early death.

If you have a BMI of greater than 40, your risk of premature death increases by 50% to 100%. Obesity is linked to dozens of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease and infertility.

Obesity is a chronic disease that progresses over time. While poor lifestyle choices do contribute, it is now known that environment, genetics, metabolism, behavior and socioeconomic factors play an important and complex role.

What Are the Most Common Treatment Options for Obesity?

Obesity treatments include a combination of diet and nutritional modification with counseling support, lifestyle changes and a consistent exercise program. Medications may also be prescribed.

In some cases, bariatric surgery may be an option. These include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy.

Are There Medications That Treat Obesity?

GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) give healthcare providers another tool to help people manage their obesity. As standalone treatments, these medications generally help people at the lower end of the obesity spectrum. However, these drugs are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, which must be a part of any serious weight management plan. 

Before prescribing a medication to help you lose weight, your doctor will consider many factors, including your body mass index (BMI) level, co-existing conditions, other prescribed medications, and potential side effects, to determine if these medications may be right for you. 

In some cases, these medications may be used in combination with bariatric surgery to attain health goals. Every patient is different, and your physician will consider all aspects of your health prior to determine the right treatment plan for you. 

Are There Surgical Options for the Treatment of Obesity?

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for obesity, depending on certain criteria. Two types of bariatric surgery offered at Temple Health include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.

Both are highly effective options for losing a significant amount of weight, and keeping it off long-term.

To find out if bariatric surgery is right for you, attend a live virtual informational seminar on Zoom. Or, sign up for our on-demand seminar to watch whenever it's convenient for you.

Does Obesity Affect Fertility?

Obesity affects your hormones and can lead to insulin resistance. As a result, women who are obese have higher rates of menstrual dysfunction, including lack of periods or irregular periods. This causes problems in the production and release of eggs, resulting in infertility.

Obesity also affects a woman’s chances of getting pregnant through assisted means, such as IVF (in-vitro fertilization).

Does Obesity Affect Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, obesity puts pregnant women at risk for certain serious conditions, such as gestational diabetes (too much sugar in the blood) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).

Obesity also increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and pre-term birth. Losing even 5% of your total weight prior to pregnancy improves your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Obesity can affect the body negatively in a number of ways, from heart problems to breathing difficulties. Many of the health problems associated with obesity include:

Page medically reviewed by:
Rohit Soans, MD
October 19, 2021