Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Disease

Obesity is more than just a number on the scale—it’s a chronic disease that affects millions worldwide. It’s not simply about overeating or a lack of willpower. Obesity is caused by biological, psychological, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. These complex interactions make it a condition that impacts nearly every aspect of health, from the way your body processes energy to how it responds to hunger signals.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, it’s important to understand obesity as a chronic disease that requires long-term management. Bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool for those struggling with severe obesity, but it’s only part of the solution. Long-lasting health requires ongoing treatment, which includes lifestyle changes, medical support, and a commitment to managing this complex condition.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition where excess body weight begins to negatively affect your health. It develops gradually over time and is caused by a variety of factors. It’s often diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, but obesity is much more than a number. The condition increases the risk of developing serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

In many cases, obesity results from an imbalance between the energy you take in (through food and drink) and the energy your body uses. Factors like genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environment can influence how your body uses this energy, or how much energy it is driven to take in. The brain, hormones, and metabolism all contribute to how the body processes fat and energy.

Obesity as a Chronic Condition

Like diabetes or hypertension, obesity is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. It’s not something that can be cured, especially not with a quick diet or short-term exercise plan.

Treatment focuses on improving your overall health and quality of life, rather than aiming for weight loss. For some people, even maintaining weight (when their weight was previously going up) is considered successful treatment.

For others, weight loss may be a treatment goal. Then, modest weight loss—5-10% of your body weight—can have a significant impact on your health, including lowering blood pressure, improving blood glucose (sugar) levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Weight Cycling and Energy Regulation

One challenge many people with obesity face is weight cycling, also known as yo-yo dieting.

This happens when you lose weight but then regain it over time. This is due to the body’s natural regulation of energy. When you lose weight, your metabolic rate slows down, and your appetite hormones increase, causing you to feel hungrier.

This can make it difficult to maintain weight loss over the long term, which is why obesity requires a comprehensive, long-term approach to management.

Considering Bariatric Surgery?

If you’re living with obesity and have tried multiple approaches to weight loss, bariatric surgery may be an option you or your medical team are exploring. We are designing an expert-led course to help you prepare for the possible journey ahead, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.