Apr 04, 2025

Understanding Obesity: Causes, Symptoms, and Health Risks

By Aditi Tibarewala

Nutritionist, Diabetes Educator

Understanding Obesity

Obesity isn’t just about weight, it’s a complex health challenge that affects millions worldwide. But here’s the truth: You’re not alone. Understanding obesity is the first step toward reclaiming your health with knowledge, compassion, and purpose.

Let’s break down the myths, uncover the science, and explore a path forward that focuses on prevention, empowerment, and sustainable change.

How to know if you have Obesity?

One common tool to estimate weight-related health risks is Body Mass Index (BMI). It’s calculated by dividing your weight (in kg) by your height (in meters squared). While BMI isn’t perfect—since it doesn’t account for muscle mass or body composition—it gives a general idea of potential health risks.

According to updated guidelines and recent research, the BMI ranges for Indian adults (20+ years old) are as follows:

18.5 to 22.9kg/m²	Normal, or healthy, weight
23.0 – 24.9 kg/m²	Overweight
≥ 25 kg/m²	Obesity (including severe obesity)
≥ 30 kg/m²	Severe obesity

If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese range, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re unhealthy, but it does indicate a higher risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic imbalances. A healthcare professional can provide a more complete assessment beyond just BMI.

Fast Facts from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017-2018):

Nearly 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) are overweight.
More than 2 in 5 adults (42.4%) have obesity.
About 1 in 11 adults (9.2%) have severe obesity.

More Than a Number: The True Nature of Obesity

Obesity is when a person’s weight is higher than what is considered healthy for their height. For decades, obesity has been reduced to a mere number on a scale.

But it’s so much more than that. It’s about metabolic health, hormonal balance, genetics, lifestyle, and even the environment we live in—factors that go far beyond just diet and exercise.

The Root Causes: What Really Causes Obesity?

Obesity occurs when the body stores excessive fat due to an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure. The journey to obesity doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does the solution. Understanding the root causes can help us take a proactive approach:

1. Metabolic Imbalances

Hormones like insulin (which controls blood sugar), leptin (which signals when you're full), and cortisol (the stress hormone) help regulate weight. When they’re out of sync, the body stores more fat and struggles to maintain a healthy balance.

2. Poor Nutrition

Fast food, sugary snacks, and processed meals might be convenient, but they’re packed with empty calories and low in nutrients. Over time, this leads to weight gain and sluggish metabolism.

3. Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting all day, whether at work, watching TV, or scrolling on your phone—means fewer calories burned. When we don’t move enough, our body stores more energy as fat.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism, and insulin resistance make it harder for the body to process food and burn calories, leading to weight gain that feels frustratingly out of control.

5. Sleep & Stress

Not getting enough sleep or dealing with constant stress? Your body produces more cortisol, which increases cravings for high-calorie comfort foods and makes it easier to store fat.

6. Gut Health & Inflammation

A healthy gut helps regulate metabolism and hunger. But when the gut microbiome is off-balance or the body is inflamed, digestion slows, cravings spike, and weight gain follows.

7. Medications & Medical Conditions

Some medications—like steroids, can increase appetite or change the way your body stores fat, leading to gradual weight gain.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Obesity

Obesity isn’t always obvious, but there are signs that excess weight might be affecting your health. Some common symptoms include:

Increased body fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or arms.
Shortness of breath or difficulty during physical activities.
Frequent fatigue and lack of energy.
Joint pain due to excess weight on bones and muscles.
Skin problems, including rashes and infections in skin folds.
Sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, including:

Type 2 Diabetes
Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, leads to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Heart Disease and Stroke
High cholesterol, hypertension, and inflammation from obesity raise the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Joint and Bone Disorders
The extra weight puts pressure on joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis and mobility problems.
Respiratory Issues
Conditions like sleep apnea and asthma can worsen with obesity, leading to reduced lung capacity.
Mental Health Concerns
Obesity is linked to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, partly due to societal stigma and struggles with weight management.

Beyond Quick Fixes: A Holistic Approach to Health

Many weight-loss programs focus on quick fixes, but true health requires addressing the root causes of obesity. Lasting wellness comes from sustainable habits that support both body and mind.

check out our blog on "9 Expert Tips to Manage Obesity and Achieve Healthy Weight Loss", offering actionable steps for lifelong health and balanced weight loss.

Key Takeaway: It Starts with Understanding

Obesity is a complex condition, but it is manageable. By understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps, we can improve our health and quality of life.

Prevention and early intervention are key to reversing the effects of obesity, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with obesity, remember—small steps lead to big changes, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Together, we can take charge of our health and create a path toward lasting wellness.

FAQ'S

1. What do you mean by obesity?

Obesity is a health condition where excess body fat affects overall well-being. It’s usually identified using BMI—30 or higher indicates obesity. It increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic issues.

2. What is stage 3 obesity?

Stage 3 obesity (severe obesity) is when BMI is 40 or higher. It’s linked to serious health risks like heart disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems, often requiring medical intervention.

3. How to solve obesity?

Obesity can be managed through healthy eating, regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, and, if needed, medical guidance or therapy. Small consistent changes work best.

4. What is the main cause of obesity?

The main cause is consuming more calories than the body burns. Other contributors include poor diet, inactivity, hormonal issues, stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications.