What is obesity? (Introduction)

Obesity is a long-term medical condition in which excess body fat builds up to a level that can harm health. It is not a matter of willpower or character. Genes, hormones, environment, sleep, stress, medicines and daily habits all play a part.

How it is measured

• Body mass index (BMI): weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For Asian adults, lower cut-offs are often used: a BMI of 23 or more is overweight and 25 or more is obesity, because health risks rise at lower BMI in South Asians.
• Waist size: more than about 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women suggests central (belly) fat, which carries more risk
• Children and teens: measured on growth charts by a doctor, not by adult BMI

BMI is a screening tool. It does not tell fat from muscle, so a doctor looks at the full picture.

Why it matters

Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, fatty liver, sleep apnoea, joint pain, some cancers, infertility and low mood.

The good news

Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can improve blood sugar, blood pressure and energy. Care works best when it is kind, steady and long-term.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes excess weight as Sthaulya, linked to Kapha, Meda dhatu and weak digestion. This is an interpretive framework and does not replace medical care.