Obesity is a complex disease characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. This condition can lead to various health problems and is diagnosed using body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

How is obesity diagnosed?

Obesity is typically diagnosed based on your Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. Your healthcare provider may also consider waist circumference and other risk factors.

What health problems are linked to obesity?

Obesity can increase the risk of many serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and sleep apnea. It can also affect joint health and mobility.

What are common treatments for obesity?

Treatment for obesity often involves lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity. In some cases, medication or surgical options may be considered to support weight management.

When should I talk to my doctor about obesity?

You should discuss obesity with your doctor if you are concerned about your weight or if you have a BMI of 25 or higher. Your doctor can help assess your individual health risks and discuss appropriate management strategies.

Knowledge Graph · Condition

Obesity

A medical condition involving excessive body fat that increases health risks.

Authoritative sources

Evidence base

Randomized Controlled Trial · 2022 · Landmark
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
New England Journal of Medicine · Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. (SURMOUNT-1)
The pivotal trial that established tirzepatide (Zepbound / Mounjaro) as the most effective medication studied for weight loss to date.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2021 · Landmark
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
New England Journal of Medicine · Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. (STEP 1)
The pivotal trial that established semaglutide (Wegovy) as a highly effective medication for weight loss in adults without diabetes.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2025
Tirzepatide for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity
The New England journal of medicine · Packer M, Zile MR, Kramer CM, Baum SJ, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2025
Tirzepatide for Obesity Treatment and Diabetes Prevention
The New England journal of medicine · Jastreboff AM, le Roux CW, Stefanski A, Aronne LJ, et al.
Phase III Clinical Trial · 2025
Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity
The New England journal of medicine · Aronne LJ, Horn DB, le Roux CW, Ho W, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2025
Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment
The New England journal of medicine · Wharton S, Aronne LJ, Stefanski A, Alfaris NF, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2024
Tirzepatide for Weight Reduction in Chinese Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-CN Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA · Zhao L, Cheng Z, Lu Y, Liu M, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2024
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis
The New England journal of medicine · Bliddal H, Bays H, Czernichow S, Uddén Hemmingsson J, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2023
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
Lancet (London, England) · Garvey WT, Frias JP, Jastreboff AM, le Roux CW, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2022
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
The New England journal of medicine · Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, et al.
Meta-Analysis · 2022
Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Obesity Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies · Tan HC, Dampil OA, Marquez MM
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2021
Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA · Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, Davies M, et al.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2021
Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA · Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, Hesse D, et al.

Where Obesity appears on Kindr Health

Guide

Menopause Weight Gainprimary topic

Data hub

Menopause Statistics

This page is part of Kindr Health's public Knowledge Graph. Content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.