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The science of obesity

As defined by the International Classification of Diseases, obesity is a chronic disease that affects 890 million adults worldwide.1-4 It has a substantial health impact with 200+ possible complications affecting many organs and systems.4,5 As a result, healthcare professionals see patients with obesity throughout their clinical practice. With the number of people living with obesity on the rise,3 evidence-based tools are needed to help tackle the growing obesity epidemic.

 

 

Rethink Obesity® aims to provide scientific and evidence-based information in an easily accessible manner to healthcare professionals to help enhance the care of patients living with overweight and obesity.

Watch the video above to learn more about the science of obesity.

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More on overweight & obesity

Access the latest information about the complications of obesity and the role of weight management.

A chronic progressive disease

A chronic progressive disease

Learn about obesity, its international classification as a chronic disease and what factors can influence obesity.

Benefits of weight loss

Benefits of weight loss

Learn about the value of 5–10% weight loss, weight maintenance and its impact on health.

Complications of obesity

Complications of obesity

Is obesity more than just excess weight? Read about the complications associated with obesity which can affect an individual’s health.

Handy tools and resources

Access downloadable resources for obesity. These are designed for you and your patients to optimise weight management.

 

Explore all resources

5 steps on obesity

Obesity stigma can make talking about weight management a sensitive issue. The ‘5 steps on obesity’ guidance document provides support for you to start and continue the conversation to find the right management option for your particular patient.

Goal setting for weight management

Once a weight journey has been explored and your patient’s personal challenges identified, you can progress to setting achievable goals together. This leaflet sets out potential approaches to healthy eating and increased physical activity.

Download our 'Goal setting for weight management' template for your patients.

References
 
  1. Bray GA, et al. Obes Rev. 2017;18(7):715–723.
  2. World Obesity Federation. Obesity is a Disease. Available at: https://www.worldobesityday.org/assets/downloads/Obesity_Is_a_Disease.pdf (Accessed August 2024).
  3. World Obesity. World Obesity Atlas 2023. Available at: https://www.worldobesity.org/resources/resource-library/world-obesity-atlas-2023 (Accessed August 2024).
  4. World Health Organisation. Obesity and Overweight. [Updated March 2024]. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (Accessed August 2024).  
  5. Yuen MM, et al. T-P-3166. Massachusetts General Hospital & George Washington University. (Poster presentation).

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