Obesity

Overview

Weight is shaped by genes, environment, sleep, stress, medicines, and more, not just willpower.

Newer medicines like GLP-1 drugs help many people lose meaningful weight.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Concern about weight

Less common

• Joint pain
• Snoring
• Tiredness

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes, environment, sleep, medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history
• Inactivity

Possible complications

• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Knee osteoarthritis

Diagnosis

A clinician checks weight and health.

Questions you may be asked

• Weight history, medicines, sleep

The exam

BMI and waist.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood sugar, cholesterol, liver tests:

Treatment

Small, steady changes add up.

Self-care

• Add movement you enjoy
• Choose more vegetables, fruit, and protein
• Cut sugary drinks
• Sleep 7 to 9 hours
• Find support: a program, a dietitian, or friends

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Medicines or weight-loss surgery for some.

Prevention

To prevent weight gain:

• Stay active
• Sleep well

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Focus on family habits, not dieting.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Even modest weight loss improves health.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Am I a candidate for medicine or surgery?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Obesity