Obesity

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease in which excess adiposity impairs health. It is not a failure of willpower. Health risk reflects the interaction of biology, eating patterns, activity, sleep, medications, mental health, social circumstances, and previous attempts at weight management. Adipose tissue is metabolically active. Excess visceral adiposity, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk. This helps explain why two people with a similar body weight can have different health profiles: fat distribution, blood pressure, glucose regulation, lipid status, mobility, and functional ability all matter. Obesity increases the likelihood of cardiometabolic disease, musculoskeletal pain and reduced mobility, and some cancers. Assessment should identify the complications already affecting the person rather than treating body size as the only clinical finding. Use person-first, neutral language: “person living with obesity,” “weight,” “health goals,” and “what changes feel realistic.” Ask permission before discussing weight. A respectful approach is not merely polite; shame and stigma can cause patients to delay care, avoid follow-up, or disengage from treatment.