Obesity Management in Canada: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | aihealz
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Obesity Management.Care & specialists in Canada
In Canada, obesity Management is managed by family medicines. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease of body-fat regulation that increases the risk of more than 200 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and at least 13 cancers. World Health Organization data show 890 million adults living with obesity (BMI ≥30) in 2022, triple the 1990 number.
aliases · Obesity (excess body fat with health impact)· Obesity· Obesidad· Obésité· reviewed May 14, 2026
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Reviewed by AIHealz Medical Editorial Board · Family MedicineLast reviewed May 13, 2026
Obesity (ICD-10: E66) is a chronic relapsing disease characterized by an excess of adipose tissue that impairs health. The most widely used clinical definition uses body mass index (BMI): overweight 25-29.9 kg/m², class I obesity 30-34.9, class II 35-39.9, and class III (severe) ≥40 kg/m². BMI is an imperfect surrogate — waist circumference (≥102 cm men, ≥88 cm women in non-Asian populations; ≥90 and ≥80 cm in Asian populations) better reflects visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk. Asian populations have a lower BMI threshold for cardiometabolic risk: WHO defines overweight ≥23 and obesity ≥27.5 kg/m².
key facts
Prevalence
Approximately 41.9% of US adults have obesity (BMI ≥30) and 9.2% have severe obesity (BMI ≥40) per NHANES 2017-2020; childhood obesity prevalence 19.7%
Demographics
WHO 2022: 890 million adults with obesity globally; women slightly higher prevalence than men in most regions. Black and Hispanic populations in the US show higher prevalence than non-Hispanic White populations
Avg. age
Adult obesity onset typically 30-50 years with continued weight gain into the 60s; childhood obesity onset frequently in the preschool years
Global cases
World Obesity Atlas 2023 projects 1.9 billion adults with obesity by 2035 if current trends continue
Specialist
Family Medicine
§ 02
How you might notice it
The key symptoms of Obesity Management are: Persistent weight gain over months to years despite stable or restricted eating patterns, reflecting altered fat-mass regulation rather than simple over-eating., Increasing waist circumference and central body shape, often with progressive belt-size and clothing-size changes., Daytime fatigue, exertional breathlessness, and reduced exercise tolerance from increased metabolic demand and respiratory load., Knee, hip, and lower-back pain reflecting increased joint loading and inflammatory adipokine signaling., Loud snoring, witnessed apneas, morning headaches, and unrefreshing sleep — symptoms of obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea., Skin changes including acanthosis nigricans (velvety dark patches in the neck, axilla, and groin) reflecting insulin resistance; intertrigo and chafing in skin folds; and stretch marks., Heartburn and acid reflux from increased intra-abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter..
01Persistent weight gain over months to years despite stable or restricted eating patterns, reflecting altered fat-mass regulation rather than simple over-eating.
02Increasing waist circumference and central body shape, often with progressive belt-size and clothing-size changes.
03Daytime fatigue, exertional breathlessness, and reduced exercise tolerance from increased metabolic demand and respiratory load.
04Knee, hip, and lower-back pain reflecting increased joint loading and inflammatory adipokine signaling.
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How it’s diagnosed
diagnosis
Diagnosis combines anthropometry, history, and assessment of obesity-associated complications. Body mass index (weight in kg / height in m²) is the standard screening tool with WHO and ethnic-specific cutoffs. Waist circumference (measured at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest) refines cardiometabolic risk and is often more informative than BMI in Asian populations. Body composition by bioelectrical impedance or DEXA can clarify cases at the BMI threshold or in muscular individuals. Workup screens for obesity-associated diseases (the Edmonton Obesity Staging System or similar): fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function tests, TSH, vitamin D, hepatic ultrasound or FibroScan for MASLD/NAFLD, sleep questionnaires (STOP-BANG, Epworth) with polysomnography when positive, blood pressure measurement (multiple readings), and assessment of osteoarthritis, reflux, and mental-health symptoms. Secondary causes of obesity are screened in atypical presentations: cortisol testing for Cushing's syndrome, prolactin and FSH/LH for hypothalamic and pituitary causes, PCOS workup in women, genetic testing for early-onset severe obesity (MC4R, LEPR, POMC). Quantifying readiness to change, prior weight-loss attempts, eating patterns (using validated tools), psychological history, and goals informs treatment selection. The 2023 American Heart Association advisory and 2022 AGA pharmacologic management guideline frame contemporary diagnostic workflow.
Key tests
01
Body mass index (BMI) calculationInitial classification of overweight and obesity using weight/height²; cutoffs ≥25 overweight, ≥30 obesity, ≥40 severe obesity (Asian-specific ≥23 and ≥27.5)
02
Waist circumference measurementQuantifies central adiposity; better predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI alone, especially in Asian populations
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy25-30% total body weight loss at 1-2 years; durable ≥20% weight loss at 5-10 years in 60-70%; 30-50% remission of type 2 diabetes at 5 years
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass30-35% total body weight loss at 1-2 years; STAMPEDE 5-year diabetes remission 29% vs 5% medical therapy; SOS 30% reduction in all-cause mortality over 15-20 years
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and SADI-S35-45% total body weight loss; highest rates of diabetes remission (70-80%) but malnutrition and reoperation risk higher
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and intragastric balloonESG: 15-20% total body weight loss at 18-24 months; balloon: 10-15% at 6 months (regain common after removal)
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Causes & risk factors
known causes
Obesogenic environment and energy imbalance
Chronic positive energy balance from calorie-dense ultra-processed foods, large portion sizes, sedentary work, screen time, sleep deprivation, and limited active transport drives most adult obesity. Even small daily surpluses (50-100 kcal) accumulate to clinically significant fat gain over years.
Genetic and epigenetic susceptibility
Twin studies estimate 40-70% of BMI variation is heritable. Common-variant risk (FTO, MC4R, BDNF, others) shifts the defended fat-mass setpoint; rare monogenic causes (leptin deficiency, LEPR, POMC, MC4R, PCSK1) produce severe early-onset disease. Family history is the strongest single non-modifiable risk factor.
Hormonal and metabolic disorders
Hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, growth hormone deficiency, hypothalamic injury (post-surgical, traumatic, tumor-related), and insulinoma can drive weight gain. Always screened for in atypical or rapid presentations.
Medication-induced weight gain
Atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone), valproate, lithium, sulfonylureas, insulin, thiazolidinediones, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, gabapentin/pregabalin, and some antidepressants (mirtazapine, paroxetine) all cause clinically significant weight gain. Drug substitution where feasible mitigates risk.
Chronic sleep deprivation and circadian disruption
Sleep below 6 hours per night and shift work raise ghrelin, lower leptin, increase late-evening eating, and impair glucose homeostasis. Meta-analyses show approximately 30% higher obesity risk in adults sleeping less than 6 hours nightly.
Adverse childhood experiences and stress
Trauma, neglect, food insecurity, and chronic psychological stress elevate cortisol, alter reward and emotion regulation, and increase emotional and binge eating patterns. ACE score correlates strongly with adult obesity risk.
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Living with it
01Maintain a stable healthy weight with a sustainable dietary pattern emphasizing whole foods and limiting ultra-processed products.
02Achieve 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity plus resistance training twice weekly.
03Sleep 7-9 hours per night; manage shift-work patterns with extra structure.
04Limit screen time (especially in children) and prioritize active leisure.
05Address adverse childhood experiences and chronic stress with evidence-based mental health support.
06Review obesogenic medications regularly with the prescribing clinician and consider weight-neutral alternatives.
•Adequate protein 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day during weight loss to preserve lean mass, especially on GLP-1 therapy or after bariatric surgery
•
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When to seek help
why see a family medicine
Patients with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity, who do not respond to primary-care guidance benefit from obesity medicine specialist referral. Specialist input is essential for safe titration of GLP-1 receptor agonists and tirzepatide, evaluation for bariatric surgery, management of medication-related weight gain, and coordination of multidisciplinary team (dietetics, behavioral therapy, exercise physiology, sleep medicine).
01Type 2 diabetes — twice as likely with BMI ≥30 and 10× more likely with BMI ≥35; weight loss of 7-10% can prevent or reverse early disease.
02Cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure) — risk rises continuously with BMI above 25; treatment of obesity reduces events.
03Obstructive sleep apnea (40-90% of severe obesity) — screen all patients with BMI ≥35; treat with CPAP, weight loss, and addressing positional factors.
04Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and fibrosis — affects 60-80% of severe obesity; FibroScan or MRE for fibrosis assessment.
05Osteoarthritis (especially knee), back pain, plantar fasciitis from increased joint load.
Class I obesity (BMI 30-34.9)Mild obesity. Many patients respond to structured lifestyle programs alone; pharmacotherapy is added when BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidity) does not achieve adequate response by 3-6 months. Comorbidity prevalence already elevated.
Class II obesity (BMI 35-39.9)Moderate obesity. Lifestyle alone rarely sufficient; combined lifestyle + pharmacotherapy is standard. Bariatric surgery is appropriate when comorbidity is present and BMI ≥35.
Class III severe obesity (BMI ≥40)Severe obesity. Multimodal care including pharmacotherapy and consideration of bariatric surgery. Risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and mechanical complications is highest.
Visceral / metabolic obesityDefined by elevated waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio with or without elevated BMI. Carries higher cardiometabolic risk than peripheral obesity at the same BMI; common in South Asian, East Asian, and many Latin American populations.
Childhood and adolescent obesityDefined by CDC growth charts (≥95th percentile BMI for age and sex) or WHO standards. Trajectory tracks strongly into adulthood; early intervention with structured family-based lifestyle programs is the foundation, with GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) and bariatric surgery options in selected adolescents from age 12-13.
Monogenic and syndromic obesityRare causes including leptin deficiency, leptin-receptor and POMC mutations, MC4R variants, and Prader-Willi syndrome present with early-onset severe obesity. Setmelanotide (MC4R agonist) is approved for several monogenic forms.
Living with Obesity Management
Timeline
Lifestyle programs produce 3-5% weight loss in 12 weeks and 5-8% at 12 months. GLP-1 receptor agonists reach plateau weight loss at 60-68 weeks; tirzepatide at 72 weeks. Bariatric surgery patients lose maximum weight at 12-18 months and stabilize at 18-24 months. Improvements in comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, MASLD/NAFLD) begin within weeks of significant weight loss and often progress over years.
Lifestyle
01Plan and prepare most meals at home; restaurant and ultra-processed foods drive excess intake.
02Use plate-method portion control: half non-starchy vegetables, one quarter lean protein, one quarter complex carbohydrate.
03Limit sugar-sweetened beverages including juices; replace with water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea.
04Build incidental activity: walking meetings, stairs, active commute, standing desks.
05Track food and activity for at least the first 12 weeks of intervention; consistent self-monitoring is the strongest behavioral predictor of weight loss.
06Establish a regular sleep schedule and screen-free evening routine.
07Engage social support — partner, family, peer group, or structured program — for accountability.
Daily management
Complementary approaches
Mediterranean dietary patternPlant-forward dietary pattern emphasizing olive oil, vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, and nuts. Robust evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction (PREDIMED) and modest weight loss when calorie-controlled.
Mindfulness-based eating awareness training (MB-EAT)Behavioral program improving interoceptive awareness and reducing emotional and binge eating; effective adjunct in patients with binge eating disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for obesity (CBT-OB)Structured therapy targeting eating-pattern triggers, body-image, and weight-related cognitions; improves long-term maintenance when combined with pharmacotherapy and lifestyle.
Choosing a doctor
Choose a physician certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (or international equivalent), or an endocrinology service with a dedicated obesity clinic. Bariatric surgery should be performed at a Center of Excellence accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) or the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, ensuring multidisciplinary support before and after surgery.
Patient support resources
World Obesity Federation →Global advocacy body with epidemiology data, evidence-based resources, and World Obesity Atlas.
Obesity Medicine Association →Professional society for clinicians treating obesity; patient finder for board-certified obesity medicine specialists.
Obesity Action Coalition →US patient advocacy organization with educational resources, weight bias resources, and policy advocacy.
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Frequently asked
What is obesity?▾▴
Obesity is a chronic disease of excess body fat that impairs health. The standard clinical definition uses body mass index: overweight 25-29.9, class I obesity 30-34.9, class II 35-39.9, and class III ≥40 kg/m². Asian populations have lower thresholds (overweight ≥23, obesity ≥27.5) reflecting earlier cardiometabolic risk.
What causes obesity?▾▴
Obesity has multifactorial causes: 40-70% heritability of body weight, obesogenic environments (calorie-dense food, sedentary work, sleep loss), medications that promote weight gain (antipsychotics, insulin, corticosteroids), hormonal and metabolic disorders, chronic stress, and adverse childhood experiences. It is rarely simply a question of willpower.
What is the most effective obesity treatment?▾▴
Bariatric surgery delivers the largest sustained weight loss (25-35% at 1-2 years, durable at 5-10 years) and reduces all-cause mortality 30-50% over 15-20 years. Among medications, tirzepatide 15 mg weekly produces 20.9% mean weight loss at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1), and semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly produces 14.9% at 68 weeks (STEP-1).
How does semaglutide cause weight loss?▾▴
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It slows gastric emptying, increases satiety through brainstem and hypothalamic GLP-1 receptors, and reduces food reward. The STEP-1 trial showed 14.9% mean weight loss at 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg weekly dose, with greatest losses in patients reaching target dose and continuing therapy.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?▾▴
Bariatric surgery is offered to adults with BMI ≥40, or ≥35 with weight-related comorbidity, and increasingly to those with BMI 30-35 and type 2 diabetes (2022 ASMBS/IFSO guideline). Candidates require medical and psychological evaluation, demonstrated engagement with multidisciplinary care, and willingness to commit to lifelong follow-up.
Can obesity be cured?▾▴
Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease rather than a curable one. Significant durable improvement (5-25% sustained weight loss with major reductions in obesity-related disease) is achievable with combined lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. Stopping active treatment usually leads to weight regain, so management is lifelong.
Is BMI an accurate measure of obesity?▾▴
BMI is a useful screening tool but not perfect. It cannot distinguish muscle from fat, may overestimate adiposity in muscular athletes, and underestimate cardiometabolic risk in Asian populations. Waist circumference, body composition, and assessment of obesity-related complications refine the diagnosis.
Are GLP-1 weight loss drugs safe?▾▴
GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally well-tolerated. Common adverse effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and gallstones, mostly mild and improving with slow titration. Rare risks include pancreatitis and gastroparesis. They are contraindicated in personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.
What happens if I stop taking semaglutide or tirzepatide?▾▴
Weight regain is typical. The STEP-4 trial showed approximately two-thirds of lost weight was regained within a year of stopping semaglutide. Obesity is a chronic disease that responds to ongoing treatment; current evidence supports indefinite continuation of effective therapy when tolerated.
How much weight do you lose after gastric sleeve surgery?▾▴
Sleeve gastrectomy produces 25-30% total body weight loss at 1-2 years, with durable ≥20% weight loss at 5-10 years in 60-70% of patients. Type 2 diabetes remission occurs in 30-50% at 5 years, and substantial improvements in hypertension, sleep apnea, and MASLD/NAFLD are typical.
Is obesity surgery dangerous?▾▴
Modern bariatric surgery in accredited centers has 30-day mortality of 0.1-0.3% and major complication rates of 3-5%, comparable to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Long-term complications include nutritional deficiencies, dumping syndrome, and internal hernia (bypass), all manageable with appropriate follow-up.
Can children be treated for obesity?▾▴
Yes. The 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline supports intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment for children 6 and older, and offers pharmacotherapy (semaglutide, liraglutide) from age 12 and bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity and comorbidity. Family-based programs are foundational.
What diet works best for obesity?▾▴
No single diet is uniquely effective; adherence is the strongest predictor. Mediterranean, DASH, low-carbohydrate, plant-forward, and structured meal-replacement patterns all produce similar weight loss in head-to-head trials when calorie-controlled. Choose a sustainable pattern aligned with preferences and culture.
How does sleep affect weight?▾▴
Sleep below 6 hours per night raises ghrelin (hunger), lowers leptin (satiety), increases late-evening eating, impairs glucose tolerance, and is associated with 25-50% higher obesity risk in adults. Improving sleep duration and quality is a core component of obesity treatment.
Does exercise alone cause weight loss?▾▴
Exercise alone produces modest weight loss (typically 2-3 kg at 12 months) because energy expenditure is partially offset by increased hunger and reduced spontaneous activity. Combined with dietary change and behavioral support, however, exercise is critical for maintaining weight loss and preserving lean mass.
Are there genetic causes of obesity?▾▴
Yes. Common-variant heritability accounts for 40-70% of BMI variation. Rare monogenic forms (MC4R, LEPR, POMC, PCSK1, BDNF mutations) cause severe early-onset obesity and may respond to targeted therapies such as setmelanotide. Genetic testing is offered in early-onset severe obesity or syndromic features.
Does weight loss reverse type 2 diabetes?▾▴
Yes, in many patients. The DiRECT trial showed 46% of patients with type 2 diabetes of less than 6 years duration achieved remission with a structured weight-loss program. Bariatric surgery produces durable diabetes remission in 30-60%. Tirzepatide and semaglutide both substantially improve glycemic control with weight loss.
Why do people regain weight?▾▴
Weight regain reflects biological defense of a higher fat-mass setpoint, including reduced resting metabolic rate, increased hunger hormones (ghrelin), and reduced satiety signals (leptin, PYY) for years after weight loss. Continued active treatment — lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, or surgical effects — counteracts these mechanisms.
Is obesity hereditary?▾▴
Family history is the strongest non-modifiable risk factor. Children with two parents with obesity have an approximately 80% lifetime risk. This combines polygenic susceptibility, shared environment, and learned behaviors. Identifying family history early supports earlier intervention.
What is severe obesity?▾▴
Severe (class III) obesity is BMI ≥40 kg/m², or ≥35 with weight-related comorbidity. Approximately 9.2% of US adults meet this threshold. Severe obesity carries the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, MASLD/NAFLD, and obesity-related cancers, and is the strongest indication for bariatric surgery.
Can stress and trauma cause obesity?▾▴
Yes. Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, alters reward and emotion regulation, and increases emotional and binge eating patterns. Adverse Childhood Experiences scores correlate strongly with adult obesity risk. Mental health support is a core component of comprehensive obesity treatment.
Loud snoring, witnessed apneas, morning headaches, and unrefreshing sleep — symptoms of obesity-related obstructive sleep apnea.
06Skin changes including acanthosis nigricans (velvety dark patches in the neck, axilla, and groin) reflecting insulin resistance; intertrigo and chafing in skin folds; and stretch marks.
07Heartburn and acid reflux from increased intra-abdominal pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
08Menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, and acne in women suggestive of polycystic ovary syndrome; reduced libido and erectile difficulty in men.
09Mood symptoms — low mood, anxiety, weight-related stigma, disordered eating patterns — that both contribute to and result from obesity.
early warning signs
•Steady annual weight gain of 0.5-1.5 kg over 5-10 years (the most common adult pattern)
•Crossing growth-chart BMI percentiles upward in childhood or adolescence
•New onset acanthosis nigricans, especially in adolescents
•Rising waist circumference even without major BMI change
•Snoring with daytime sleepiness or fatigue
● emergency signs
•Severe shortness of breath at rest with low oxygen saturation in obesity hypoventilation syndrome (Pickwickian syndrome) — requires hospital assessment
•Acute leg swelling with calf tenderness — pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis risk is roughly 2-3× elevated
•Chest pain with diaphoresis or radiating discomfort — myocardial infarction must be excluded urgently
•New significant breathlessness, orthopnea, or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea — heart failure from obesity cardiomyopathy
•Suicidal ideation or severe disordered-eating behaviors — urgent mental health assessment
Screens for type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, dyslipidemia, MASLD/NAFLD, hypothyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency
04
Hepatic ultrasound or transient elastography (FibroScan)Diagnoses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD) and assesses fibrosis severity
05
Sleep evaluation (STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, polysomnography when indicated)Identifies obstructive sleep apnea, which complicates 40-90% of obesity
06
Validated eating behavior tools (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Binge Eating Scale)Identifies binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome, and bulimia which influence treatment selection
07
Genetic and endocrine workup in selected patientsScreens for monogenic obesity (MC4R, LEPR, POMC) and secondary causes (Cushing's syndrome, hypothalamic injury)
Outlook
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that responds to long-term treatment rather than short courses. Sustained 5-10% weight loss reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes by approximately 58% (Diabetes Prevention Program), improves blood pressure and lipids, reduces sleep apnea severity, slows MASLD/NAFLD progression, and lowers cardiovascular event risk. Modern GLP-1 and dual incretin therapies deliver mean weight losses (14-21%) previously achievable only with bariatric surgery, and SELECT (NEJM 2023) showed semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly reduces major adverse cardiovascular events by 20% in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgery produces durable 25-35% weight loss, 30-50% reductions in all-cause mortality over 15-20 years (Swedish Obese Subjects study), substantial reductions in cancer incidence (particularly female reproductive cancers and colorectal), and durable type 2 diabetes remission in 30-60%. Weight regain is the dominant long-term challenge: STEP-4 showed approximately two-thirds of weight loss is regained within a year of stopping semaglutide, mirroring the pattern seen with most behavioral and pharmacologic interventions when stopped. Lifelong treatment, multidisciplinary support, and ongoing monitoring deliver the best outcomes.
Pregnancy-associated weight retention and perimenopausal shift
Excess gestational weight gain, particularly with multiple pregnancies, contributes to long-term weight retention in many women. The perimenopausal transition accompanies a shift to visceral adiposity even without major weight change.
risk factors
Family history of obesity in a first-degree relativegenetic
Strongest non-modifiable risk factor; children with two parents with obesity have approximately 80% lifetime risk versus 14% with neither parent affected.
South Asian, Pacific Islander, or Middle Eastern ancestrygenetic
These populations develop cardiometabolic disease at lower BMI thresholds (WHO Asian-specific BMI cutoffs ≥27.5 for obesity) and have elevated visceral adiposity at the same BMI as European populations.
Sedentary lifestyle and occupationmodifiable
Less than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is associated with substantially elevated obesity risk. Active commuting and standing desks modestly reduce risk.
Ultra-processed food consumptionmodifiable
Ultra-processed foods now account for >50% of US adult calories. Each 10% increase in ultra-processed food share is associated with approximately 12% higher obesity risk in cohort studies.
Sleep below 6 hours per nightmodifiable
Short sleep duration carries 25-50% higher obesity risk in adults and 1.5-2× higher risk in children, independent of physical activity and diet.
Use of obesogenic medicationsmodifiable
Atypical antipsychotics, certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants, insulin, sulfonylureas, beta-blockers, and corticosteroids contribute to clinically significant weight gain.
•Refined carbohydrate-heavy breakfasts (sweet cereals, pastries, white bread)
•Alcohol calories during active weight loss; limit to occasional moderate consumption
06
Mental-health comorbidity: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and weight-related stigma require active management.
07Increased cancer risk: at least 13 cancers including breast (postmenopausal), endometrial, colorectal, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver.
choosing the right hospital
01Multidisciplinary obesity medicine clinic with physician, dietitian, behavioral therapist, exercise physiologist
02Bariatric surgery program accredited by ASMBS or international equivalent
03Access to GLP-1 receptor agonists, tirzepatide, and other approved anti-obesity medications
04On-site polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnea
05Hepatology service with elastography and MASLD/NAFLD management
Essential facilities
Academic obesity medicine programsASMBS Centers of Excellence for bariatric surgeryPediatric obesity multidisciplinary clinicsEndocrinology and diabetes services with obesity focusCardiometabolic risk reduction clinics
Weigh weekly at the same time and condition, tracking trend rather than day-to-day fluctuation.
02Plan three balanced meals plus one or two snacks; structured meal timing supports satiety.
03Take prescribed pharmacotherapy on schedule; injectables on the same weekday weekly.
04Hydrate consistently with 2-3 L of fluid daily.
05Track activity with wearable or app; aim for at least 7,000-10,000 steps daily.
06Maintain regular sleep schedule and review monthly with the obesity care team.
Exercise
Target 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) plus resistance training of major muscle groups twice weekly. After bariatric surgery, progress from walking in week 1-2 to full activity by 6-8 weeks under surgical guidance. During GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy, resistance training is particularly important to mitigate lean-mass loss.