Obesity is not just about weight gain. It is a chronic, relapsing disease that can put individuals at risk of more than 200 physiological, physical and mental health complications such as high blood pressure, joint pain and depression.³ Therefore, good overweight and obesity care should not just be about weight loss, but should also help to treat the health complications associated with excess weight.²

An increased risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol are just some examples of physiological weight-related complications.^4,5 Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease.⁵ Overweight and obesity care puts a focus on bringing blood pressure and cholesterol back down to normal levels, which can help to lower the risk factors associated with heart disease.⁶

Impaired joint health is an example of a physical health complication that can be caused by overweight and obesity.⁷ Excess weight can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage between your bones breaks down.⁷ This may lead to stiff and sore joints which can affect mobility.⁷ As previously established, good overweight and obesity care goes beyond weight loss, and looks to reduce the amount of force or stress placed on a joint.⁷ This may help to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in a person living with overweight or obesity, thereby improving their overall health.⁸

Mental health is often negatively impacted by weight-related stigma, leading to conditions such as depression and anxiety.⁹ In fact, one study reported that adolescents living with obesity have a 40% increased risk of developing depression.¹⁰ Mental health issues are sometimes ignored because they are mostly invisible.⁹ However, holistic weight management goes beyond the physical implications of overweight and obesity, and puts a spotlight on mental health and wellbeing, helping to support weight management.¹¹ 

Rather than only focusing on weight loss targets, good overweight and obesity care monitors improvements to health such as sleep quality, improved mood, and self-esteem, which can be more motivating benchmarks of progress.^12,13 Recognising and celebrating these milestones may help make the journey toward better health more achievable.¹³ By following this holistic approach to health, good overweight and obesity care can help with leading a life that not only supports achieving sustainable weight loss but also improves weight-related health risks.

Finding a good care plan often involves a collaborative effort with a healthcare team.¹⁴ This can include doctors, nurses, dietitians and psychologists.¹⁴ Together, they can help set a realistic weight management plan based on health goals.¹³ Some evidence-based options that can help people living with overweight or obesity to proactively manage their health include:²

• Nutritional guidance
• Behaviour modification
• Physical activity
• Medical interventions

By providing the right tools, support and guidance, good overweight and obesity care can help to improve the physiological, physical and mental health complications associated with weight.^15,16 Reframing care as more than just weight loss in the eyes of people living with overweight or obesity, healthcare professionals and society at large is a step toward ensuring those affected receive the care they deserve, free from bias and stigma.