Obesity is a chronic condition shaped by biological, behavioral, environmental, and social factors. It is not simply a matter of effort or personal discipline. The World Health Organization (WHO) links obesity with higher risks of several groups of noncommunicable diseases, but risk and care needs differ from person to person.
Which health risks does WHO discuss?
WHO describes the growing burden of obesity in connection with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver and kidney disease, and some cancers. This is population-level risk information. It does not predict that a particular person will develop a condition, and it does not mean body weight is the only cause of every disease.
If you have a health concern, discuss symptoms, history, and test results with a healthcare professional. Use language that does not stigmatize people living with obesity.
Ways to support health without self-blame
Sleep, food, movement, medicines, existing conditions, stress, and access to food or places to exercise can all play a part. Sustainable changes and advice from a doctor or dietitian may be more appropriate than a rapid formula or a product that promises results.
The risks described here are population-level information and cannot predict one person’s health. If you have concerns, consult a healthcare professional who can consider your history and symptoms.