About the condition
What is Obesity?
Managing obesity as a disease means going beyond diets and medication to find personalised solutions that work for each individual. One size doesn’t fit all.
Obesity is:
- A complex disease influenced by many factors
- A health concern that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background
- Treatable with the right combination of care, including lifestyle changes, medication, surgery and support
Obesity is not:
- Your fault
- A reflection of someone’s worth, willpower or character.
- A one-size-fits-all problem with a single solution
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.”
— World Health Organisation¹
Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems.”
— Mayo Clinic
Obesity is a biological disease and should be treated according to the best available evidence.”
— Dr John Jorgensen
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Obesity Risk Test
Start the conversation by taking the interactive obesity risk test. By taking this test, you will find out your BMI, your obesity risk factors and what your risk is of developing other obesity-related health problems.
You be able to download your results at the end to help start your treatment journey.
Understanding comorbidities
Obesity can increase your risk of getting other diseases5. These can include heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea and infertility, among others.
Understanding the link between obesity and these associated conditions is crucial for effective prevention and management.
Obesity causes
Obesity is widely recognised as a chronic disease. It’s influenced by lots of factors, and many of them are out of your control, including. 3 6 7 8
- Food intake and exercise
- Type of food
- Appetite signals and hormones
- Your genes
- Your cultural background
- Stress management
- Quality and quantity of sleep
- Prescription medications
- Environmental factors
Navigating obesity treatment options
Managing and treating obesity is complex2. You’ve probably tried diets and exercise regimes. Perhaps they’ve worked in the short term, but most people find they regain the weight they lose, and more3. No matter how hard you try, it’s like your body is working against you. It’s pretty demoralising, isn’t it?
Find an obesity specialist
If you suspect you have obesity-related health issues or simply want to learn more about your symptoms, starting a conversation with your regular doctor is a great first step.
If your doctor identifies obesity-related concerns, you may need to consult with a specialist. These healthcare professionals are trained in diagnosing and treating obesity with all the latest therapies available. They can provide you with a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve better health outcomes.
The Specialist Finder may not be comprehensive and inclusion does not imply any endorsement between Medtronic and the Healthcare Professionals included on the list.
The research behind the science
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Impact of overweight and obesity as a risk factor for chronic conditions: Australian Burden of Disease Study. Available at https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/impact-of-overweight-and-obesity-as-a-risk-factor-for-chronic-conditions/contents/table-of-contents, Accessed September 2019.
- World Health Organisation Obesity and Overweight Fact Sheet, 9 June 2021 Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight. December 2021.
- RACGP. Obesity prevention and management position statement 2019. Available at https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/RACGP/Position%20statements/Obesity-prevention-and-management.pdf, accessed December 2021.
- Dulloo, A. Explaining the failures of obesity therapy: willpower attenuation, target miscalculation or metabolic compensation?. Int J Obes36, 1418–1420 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2012.114 https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2012114
- RACP Action to prevent obesity and reduce its impact across the life course – Evidence Review. 2018. Available at https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/racp-obesity-position-statement.pdf. Accessed December 2019
- Caterson I, et al. Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity, Diabetes Obes Metab 2019; 21(8): 1914–24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31032548/
- National Health and Medical Research Council (2013). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. Available at https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/clinical-practice-guidelines-management-overweight-and-obesity, accessed September 2019.
- Casazza K, et al. Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity.N Engl J Med 2013; 368:446-454 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1208051