Obesity
WHAT IS OBESITY?
Obesity is a term used to describe individuals who carry excess body weight and have a larger amount of body fat. While an excessive intake of calories can contribute to obesity, it’s important to remember that obesity is a complex issue, and other underlying factors can play a role. For instance, some medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or PCOS can affect a person’s metabolism and make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, life factors like grief or emotional challenges can throw us off track when it comes to maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
When assessing whether someone is at a healthy weight, the widely used measurement is the body mass index (BMI). It's worth noting that BMI is a useful tool, but it should be considered alongside other factors such as muscle mass and overall well-being. People with a BMI between 18.5 kg/m2 and 24.9 kg/m2 are seen as having a healthy weight. A BMI between 25 kg/m2 and 29.9 kg/m2 is seen as overweight and a BMI over 30 kg/m2 is considered obese. However, we should remember that this number is just one aspect of our overall health.
OBESITY HEALTH RISKS
It's essential to be aware that obesity and being overweight can pose various health risks. These risks include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancers, and can also impact fertility and pregnancy, potentially leading to complications such as pre-eclampsia. These risks can arise even when a person is only slightly overweight and grows more serious as BMI increases.
There are certain factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, this includes being overweight or obese.
Obesity is thought to account for 80-85% of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly if you hold excess weight around your tummy. There is evidence to suggest this extra weight means fat can build up around the organs which causes the body to become less sensitive to the insulin it produces – this is known as insulin resistance.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
• urinating more than usual, particularly at night
• feeling thirsty all the time
• feeling very tired
• losing weight without trying to
• itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
• cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
• blurred vision
If you have any symptoms of type 2 diabetes or are worried that you may be at higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, speak to your GP. They may consider checking your urine and arranging a blood test to check your blood sugar levels. You can also order a home test kit that checks for prediabetes and diabetes in adults over the age of 30 via our Boots Online Doctor HBA1C Test Kit.**
If you have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, our in-store pharmacist can provide advice on any newly prescribed medication. In addition, if you live in England, the pharmacist can provide support with newly prescribed medicines for diabetes through the NHS New Medicine Service.*** They will answer any questions you may have about how to get the most out of your medicine.
If you’re overweight and have type 2 diabetes, losing weight will make it easier for your body to lower your blood sugar level and can help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Following a healthy and balanced diet and increasing your physical activity should help with this. There is some evidence to suggest that eating a low-calorie diet (800 to 1,200 calories a day) on a short-term basis of around 12 weeks and under strict medical supervision can help with the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to note that a low-calorie diet may not be suitable for everyone with type 2 diabetes, such as those who need to take insulin or certain medicines for the condition, so consult your GP for advice and to check whether this type of diet is suitable for you.
Find out more about diabetes here.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide. It occurs when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the arteries around the heart. If the arteries that carry blood to your heart get damaged or clogged, this can lead to a heart attack.
The main symptoms of coronary heart disease include:
• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain throughout the body
• Feeling faint
• Feeling sick
Excess weight or obesity can increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases. Speak to your GP if you are concerned about your risk of CHD. If your doctor thinks you’re at risk of coronary heart disease, further tests may be needed to confirm CHD. This can include answering questions about your medical and family history and your lifestyle and taking a blood test.
Obesity and being overweight is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK, causing more than one in 20 cancer cases. The extra fat being stored in the body actively sends out signals that can trigger cells to divide more often, which can lead to cancer. The risk of developing cancer is higher the more overweight you are and the longer you are overweight. If you are overweight, it is important to try and avoid gaining more weight and also try to lose some of the extra weight to help reduce your risk of cancer.
If you or somebody you know are living with cancer, you can access support through the Boots and Macmillan Cancer Support partnership. Macmillan have helped to train over 4,200 of our pharmacists as Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists*. They can offer information and advice on understanding the different types of cancers, any questions you have about medication, or how to support someone through chemotherapy.
Our in-store Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors* can give advice to help people cope with the visible side effects of cancer.
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition. The most common type of stroke (Ischaemic stroke) occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, typically caused by a blood clot. These clots tend to form in areas where your arteries have been narrowed or blocked over time by fatty deposits. Your arteries may naturally become narrower as you age, but obesity can put you at a higher risk of having a stroke.
Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen. The main signs or symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:
• Face – the face may have drooped on one side, the person may not be able to smile or the mouth and eyes might have drooped.
• Arms – the person might not be able to lift both arms and keep them in the air due to weakness or numbness.
• Speech – this may be slurred or garbled, or the person may have issues understanding what you are saying to them.
• Time – if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, it’s time to phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Mental health encompasses our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and it plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Living with being overweight or obese can have an impact on your quality of life and can sometimes lead to lower self-esteem. It can, in some cases, affect mental health and potentially contribute to conditions like depression.
Depression is a complex condition that affects individuals differently, manifesting in a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can vary from persistent feelings of sadness to a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. Depression can also give rise to physical symptoms, including disrupted sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and bodily aches and pains.
If you find yourself struggling with your mental health or suspect that you may be experiencing depression, it is essential to seek support from your GP. Treatment for depression can involve a combination of approaches, tailored to the severity of the condition. Lifestyle adjustments, talking therapies, and medication may be recommended, depending on your circumstances.
Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be particularly helpful in reshaping thoughts and emotions, providing practical techniques to promote mental well-being. SupportRoom† offers online talking therapy services that can be accessed conveniently. Additionally, if you live in England and are 18 years or older, you can benefit from NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression. You can also get help for mild to moderate depression or anxiety through our Boots Online Doctor** Depression and Anxiety Treatment service.
Find out more about mental health support here.
Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important during pregnancy, as being overweight or obese can increase the risk of complications for both you and your baby. The higher your BMI, the greater these risks may be.
During pregnancy, an elevated BMI can contribute to the development of conditions such as gestational diabetes – a condition characterised by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. Additionally, there is an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine during pregnancy.
Staying active during pregnancy is generally encouraged unless specifically advised otherwise by your GP or midwife. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as sports, yoga, or even walking to the shops, can help prevent excessive weight gain. Gentle stretches and exercises that strengthen areas like your stomach and pelvic muscles may also aid in preparing your body for labour.
To learn more about pregnancy, birth preparation and family life, you can join online antenatal classes hosted by My Expert Midwife.† These classes can provide valuable information and support throughout your pregnancy journey.
Find out more information about pregnancy here.
Excess weight puts extra pressure on the joints, meaning obesity can lead to pain in the joints or back.
However, being inactive (for example, lying in bed for long periods) can actually make back or joint pain last longer, causing your body to stiffen up, weakening your muscles and bones and making your pain feel much worse.
The NHS recommend a combination of factors to support chronic pain management including:
• Gentle exercise such as walking and swimming, please consult your GP if you are unsure on what level of exercise you should be doing
• Staying at work
• Pain relief, which may include hot/cold therapy or medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, if they are suitable for you. Speak to your Boots Pharmacist if you would like more information on what pain relief is suitable for you.
If you’re struggling with joint or back pain, speak to your GP. Alternatively, you may want to access the Leva Pain Management Programme* which gives you access to digital modules with information and advice on how to manage chronic pain.
Find out more information about managing pain click here.
Being overweight and underweight can affect ovulation and impact fertility. If you have ovaries and are trying to conceive or planning to start trying, maintaining a healthy weight can significantly increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.
Research suggests that overweight and obese men may produce lower numbers of sperm, which could potentially contribute to difficulties in conceiving.
If you're seeking more information on fertility and infertility, there are resources available to provide guidance and support. Exploring these resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence fertility and assist you in making informed decisions regarding your reproductive health.
Find out more about fertility & infertility here.
There are ways to manage being obese or overweight that can help to reduce the risk of developing further health problems including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you are obese or overweight and need to lose weight, it is recommended for most people to do it slowly over time aiming for around 0.5 to 1kg a week. Remember that you should approach weight loss with patience, perseverance, and self-compassion. Each person’s journey is unique and focusing on gradual and sustainable changes can lead to long-term success.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing the number of calories consumed during a day can help you lose weight . This can be achieved by swapping unhealthy food choices like processed foods, sugary drinks and fast food for healthier choices.
A healthy diet should consist of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day and include plenty of high fibre foods and wholegrains. You should also have:
• Dairy
• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs or other non-dairy sources of protein
• A small amount of fat and sugar.
Drinking at least two litres of water per day is also recommended.
Try to avoid foods high in salt as these can raise your blood pressure. Checking the calorie content of your food and drink will help you make sure you don’t exceed your suggested daily calorie intake, which is usually 2000 calories a day for women and 2500 for men.
If you’re living with obesity, your GP or a pharmacist can offer advice about lifestyle changes which can help you to lose or manage your weight.
For more help and advice on recommended guides for weight loss, you can visit our Boots Online Doctor Recommended Guides for Weight Loss page.
Alongside a healthy diet, physical activity helps to burn more energy to help you lose or maintain weight.
The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercises or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week, plus strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups – legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms – at least two days a week. Exercises like fast walking, swimming or dancing are a good way to begin working more activity into your daily life. Speak to your GP first if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns. Make sure your activity and its intensity are appropriate for your fitness.
There are a number of FREE workout videos on the internet, or apps you can download with exercise programmes to follow at home. The NHS’ Couch to 5K running plan is for beginners, and helps you gradually work up towards running five kilometres in just nine weeks.
If you have an injury, it’s important to seek advice from your GP or a physiotherapist before implementing any new exercises into your regime. You can access help from a physiotherapist via our PhysioFast Online Virtual Physiotherapy service.†
If you're on a weight loss journey and seeking additional support, joining a local weight management program can be beneficial. These programs typically offer group meetings either in person or through online platforms, providing you with the opportunity to connect with others who are also working towards their weight loss goals.
In addition to local programs, you can take advantage of FREE live webinars2 conducted by our Boots Online Doctor Lifestyle team. These webinars are held regularly and offer valuable insights and support for your weight loss journey. The sessions cover various aspects of healthy habits for weight loss, including information on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
Weight loss is a personal journey so finding a supportive community and accessing helpful resources can make a significant difference in your success. The support you find within these types of programs can help with your motivation and accountability, empowering you on your path towards achieving your weight loss goals.
If you would like extra support losing weight, weight loss aids may be an option to consider.
Some weight loss aids can be accessed from general retailers – these include meal replacement drinks and capsules. Other weight loss treatments may be prescribed by a healthcare professional following a consultation to check whether the treatment is suitable for you.
Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment Service,** provides access to helpful content, support and treatment, if it's suitable for you to help support your weight loss journey.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OBESITY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Measuring your body mass index takes into account your height and weight to produce a BMI score. The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in metres (m) squared.
For example, an adult who weighs 89kg (around 14 stone) and whose height is 1.75m would have the following measurements:
1.75m x 1.75m = 3.06m
89.kg / 3.06m = 29 kg/m2
With a measurement of 29kg/m2 this would therefore put this person in the category of overweight as their BMI exceeds 24.9kg/m2 but is under 30kg/m2.
For most adults, a good way to understand your BMI score is if:
• It’s below 18.5kg/m2 – you're in the underweight range
• It’s between 18.5kg/m2 and 24.9kg/m2 – you're in the healthy weight range
• It’s between 25kg/m2 and 29.9kg/m2 – you're in the overweight range
• It’s 30kg/m2 or over – you're in the obese range
Other factors may be taken into account when assessing if you’re a healthy weight, such as your ethnicity. For example, adults of South Asian origin may have a higher risk of some health problems like type 2 diabetes when they have a BMI of 23 or more, which is usually considered a healthy range (up to 24.9).
Muscle is also taken into account, as it is much denser than fat. Your BMI score can tell if you’re carrying too much weight, but it can’t tell the difference between excess fat, muscle or bone. Muscular people, like heavyweight boxers or athletes can have a higher BMI despite being a healthy weight. Likewise, if you lose muscle, this can result in you falling into the ideal range while still carrying excess fat.
If you would like some extra support to help you lose or manage your weight, your GP can offer advice on lifestyle factors like eating a healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity. If you find that you’re still struggling to lose weight after making changes to your diet and levels of physical activity, your GP can talk to you about medicines which may help.
Alternatively, you can access advice and, if appropriate, treatment via Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment service.**
1 Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria may apply. Charges may apply.
2 Access to prescription-only treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
11 Free health MOT available in participating stores, England only. The NHS Blood Pressure Check Service is for adults aged 40+ that do not have a diagnosis of hypertension, adults under 40 that have a recognised family history of hypertension (at the Pharmacist’s discretion) and adults referred by the GP for the measurement of blood pressure. Waist circumference & BMI checks optional. Subject to availability.
*Access to treatment is subject to availability. Charges may apply.
Boots can help you in taking the right steps towards good health and wellbeing. Discover the causes of obesity and explore a healthy body mass index (BMI). You can also find the latest lifestyle advice from nutrition and exercise to mental health services.
