Obesity — Risks, Causes, and Strategies for Long-Term Weight Management

Illustration by Rose Wong via commonwealthfund.org

Obesity is a serious medical condition that makes a person more susceptible to a plethora of chronic illnesses and diseases. This complex disease is more than just a cosmetic concern and sometimes requires drastic lifestyle changes and/or medical intervention if things get out of hand. According to a report conducted in 2022 by the World Health Organization, approximately ⅛ of the world is obese. Obesity is diagnosed by measuring people’s weight and height and calculating their body mass index (BMI). According to many prominent medical standards, a BMI greater than or equal to 30 is considered obese. 

Health Risks of Obesity

Individuals who are medically diagnosed with obesity are statistically more likely to develop a variety of health issues, including:

  • Cardiovascular Disease – This can lead to hypertension, heart disease, or stroke.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – Resistance to insulin and blood sugar complications
  • Musculoskeletal and Mobility Issues – Osteoarthritis, chronic pain in the joints and bones.
  • Mental Health Concerns – Depression, self-esteem, and anxiety issues.
  • Other Conditions – Certain cancers, liver disease, and reproductive issues.

While this condition can be somewhat manageable, if a person stays within the BMI standards of what is considered obesity, they will continue to be vulnerable to these physical and mental health conditions. 

Causes of Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition that can develop over time as you intake more calories than you burn. Taking in more energy (calories) than it is used is known as an energy imbalance, which causes the body to store more fat than it can be used in the future. Some typical causes of obesity include:

  • Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet and lack of physical activity.
  • Medical Conditions & Medications: Hypothyroidism, PCOS, and certain antidepressants or steroids.
  • Genetics: Hereditary metabolism differences.
  • Psychological Factors: Stress eating or poor sleep patterns.
  • Environmental & Social Factors: Limited access to healthy foods, socioeconomic influences, or sedentary jobs.

Strategies for Long-Term Weight Management

Weight loss is something that can be achieved through several methods, but long-term maintenance of weight loss, like obesity interventions, is considered more tedious and challenging. With the help of your physician and weight loss specialists, individuals with obesity can develop effective strategies for long-term weight management. Some common practices include:

  • Balanced diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Behavior and lifestyle changes
  • Medical interventions (when necessary)
  • Setting realistic goals

Lasting Care at Dr. Sangani & Associates

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic obesity, it’s important to address those health concerns as a long-term health priority. Here at Dr. Sangani & Associates, we understand that obesity is a complex medical issue that poses a significant risk to a person’s overall health. Our offices specialize in developing personalized, comprehensive treatment plans to address the genetic, environmental, behavioral, and metabolic factors that could be potentially contributing to the chronic condition. Obesity can place a setback on many qualities of your life, so don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sangani & Associates now so we can address your health issues today!

References

Causes and risk factors | NHLBI, NIH. (2022, March 24). NHLBI, NIH. http://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/overweight-and-obesity/causes

Cody Stanford, F., M. D. (2023, April 21). Understanding Obesity as a Disease. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/podcast/2023/apr/understanding-obesity-as-disease

Hall, K. D., & Kahan, S. (2017). Maintenance of lost weight and Long-Term management of obesity. Medical Clinics of North America, 102(1), 183–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, July 23). Obesity – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742

World Health Organization: WHO. (2025, May 7). Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight