Information for the public
Obesity
Obesity
Obesity (being very overweight) is a major health issue. Being obese can contribute to a range of health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing during sleep) and some cancers, as well as psychological problems (see Other NICE guidance for details of our guidance on these health problems). More people in the UK are becoming overweight or obese than in the past, and this rise is expected to continue.
Treatments for people who are obese can include increasing physical activity, changing your diet so you take in fewer calories, drugs to help you lose weight, bariatric (weight loss) surgery, or a combination of some or all the above. People who are treated for obesity will also usually need regular long-term follow-up care, for example to help them adjust to and stick with their new lifestyle or to help them stay healthy after surgery.