Obesity

The Obesity section of The Body Optimist covers a chronic disease with many causes, one that has nothing to do with a lack of willpower. Medical care, everyday health, weight stigma and personal stories: our content is written for people living with obesity and the people close to them, without blame or alarmism.

What the Obesity section covers

• Understanding the disease: genetic, hormonal, environmental and psychological factors, and the most stubborn myths about weight.
• Treatment and care: the role of your primary care doctor, specialist teams and long-term follow-up.
• Everyday health: joints, skin, sleep and intimacy, with practical solutions.
• Weight stigma: fatphobia, including in healthcare, and its effect on access to care, starting with the fatphobic phrases many people say without realizing it.

What is obesity?

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes obesity as a chronic, complex disease defined by excess body fat that can impair health. Its causes are many: genetics, hormones, certain medications, sleep, stress, environment, living conditions and personal history. Body mass index (BMI) is used for screening, but it doesn't measure how fat is distributed in the body or your overall health: diagnosis and treatment belong with a healthcare professional. Care is usually coordinated by your primary care doctor, who can bring in other specialists as needed.

Our approach

We talk about people living with obesity, not a “problem” to be fixed. Talking about health doesn't require stigmatizing anyone: shame and hurtful comments drive people away from care far more than they help. The articles in this section provide general information and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is obesity a disease?

Yes. The World Health Organization recognizes obesity as a chronic disease with multiple causes. That means it calls for long-term medical support tailored to each person, not a simple matter of willpower or New Year's resolutions.

Is BMI enough to diagnose obesity?

No. BMI, calculated from weight and height, is a quick screening tool, but it doesn't tell fat apart from muscle or show where fat is stored. Health professionals combine it with other measures, such as waist circumference, a physical exam and blood work, to get a fuller picture.

Who can you turn to for support?

Your primary care doctor is the first point of contact. They can look at your situation as a whole, check for related health issues and, if needed, refer you to a registered dietitian, a psychologist, an endocrinologist or a specialized obesity care program.

Want to go further? Head to the Health section, our coverage of fatphobia, and the Diet and Bariatric surgery sections.