Obesity: Knowledge is power

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What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic disease, not a choice. It's a condition where having too much body fat can cause health problems.1

It's estimated that more than three out of ten adults in the United Arab Emirates live with obesity 2 and roughly 1 billion people worldwide are living with this disease.3
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UNDERSTANDING OBESITY

Let’s end the _stigma_

In many ways, obesity is still viewed as a personal failing and a matter of willpower rather than a chronic medical condition. This can make it harder for people trying to manage their obesity.4

We want to address misconception, eliminate stigma and imagine a better future for people around the world living with obesity so they can get the care they need and live healthier, happier lives.
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Why obesity care matters

Obesity can impact your day-to-day life and can raise your risk of other health conditions or concerns, like:

Heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

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High blood sugar or diabetes

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Some types of cancer

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Liver disease

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Problems with sleep

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This is not an exhaustive list of health conditions or concerns obesity may affect.
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BUILD UNDERSTANDING

What causes obesity?

Separating science from stigma – explore myths vs. facts 14
Myth No. 1

“Obesity is caused by laziness and a lack of willpower.”

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Fact
Obesity can be caused by a mix of complex biological, genetic, and environmental factors, many of which you can’t control.
Myth No. 2
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Fact
Genes you inherit from your parents play a role in your own weight.
Myth No. 3

“The human brain and hormones play no role in obesity.”

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Fact
Your brain and hormones send signals to help control hunger, fullness, metabolism (how your body burns or stores calories), and body weight. In people with obesity, these signals may not work as well as they should.
Myth No. 4

“Obesity is completely out of your control.”

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Fact
There are some factors that you may be able to help change like your eating, physical activity, sleep habits, and how you manage stress. Having a healthy lifestyle is important for your overall health, not just your weight. Changing habits that can affect your weight, like food choices and activity level, may help you manage your weight and improve your health.
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How is obesity diagnosed? 5

Your health is more than a number on a scale and diagnosing obesity is about more than just
measuring weight.

Obesity is a medical condition, and it affects each person differently. That's why doctors should
look at the full picture of your health, not just one number like BMI (body mass index).

For adults 20 years or older, BMI measures the relationship between height and weight and
while it can be a starting point, it doesn't tell the whole story - especially when it comes to things
like muscle mass, body shape, gender, or ethnicity. 7

To better understand your healthand build a personalized obesity treatment plan for healthy weight loss, doctors may consider:

Your unique background and where weight is carried

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Things like your age, sex, and racial or ethnic background can affect how your body gains weight and stores fat. For example, people of Asian descent may face weight-related problems at lower BMI levels compared to the conventional BMI scale because when they gain weight, they may be more likely to gain weight around the belly.

Your doctor might measure your waist at your belly button to check how much fat your body stores around your belly. More belly fat can increase your risk of health issues.8
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Other health conditions

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High blood pressure, blood sugar problems, joint pain, or sleep issues can all be signs that excess weight is affecting your health.
High blood pressure, blood sugar problems, joint pain, or sleep issues can all be signs that excess weight is affecting your health.
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Body fat and muscle

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Some tools can measure your body composition, helping tell how much muscle versus fat your body has.
Some tools can measure your body composition, helping tell how much muscle versus fat your body has. 5
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How you feel and live

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Doctors may ask about your energy levels, sleep, eating habits, movement, and stress. These all shape your overall well-being.
Doctors may ask about your energy levels, sleep, eating habits, movement, and stress. These all shape your overall well-being.5
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Photograph of a person having a conversation with their doctor.
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We believe in a compassionate approach to care.

Obesity is a chronic disease influenced by many factors: biology, environment, health behaviors and conditions, and more.6 You deserve care that sees the whole you — your body, your life, and your goals.

An accurate diagnosis can be the first step toward quality care. With the right support and treatment, weight reduction may also lead to benefits for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and other conditions.

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TALK TO A DOCTOR

Find an obesity
specialist

The right medical support can help you better understand obesity and explore options for managing and controlling your weight.
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Start with telehealth

Connect with a licensed doctor online from the comfort of your home.

A telehealth consultation can help you understand your condition and discuss the next steps in your weight management journey.

Book a telehealth consultation
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TREATMENT

Obesity care is different for everyone

How can I manage or reduce my weight in a healthy way? 9

You’re unique. Shouldn’t your care plan be? Obesity
treatment can include many areas of care, including:

Getting help from a doctor
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A doctor or healthcare professional can be a big help on your obesity management journey.

They can:

  • Check for health issues linked to obesity.
  • See if any medications you're taking cause weight gain.
  • Help you build healthy habits and take care of your mental health.
  • Suggest treatments like medication along with diet and exercise or surgery, if needed.

If you've had a bad experience with doctors before, don’t give up. Finding the right one can make a big difference.

Looking for independent in-person or telehealth care?
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A doctor or healthcare professional can be a big help on your weight loss or obesity management journey.

They can:

  • Check for health issues linked to obesity.
  • See if any medications you're taking cause weight gain.
  • Help you build healthy habits and take care of your mental health.
  • Suggest treatments like medication along with diet and exercise or surgery, if needed.

If you've had a bad experience with doctors before, don’t give up. Finding the right one can make a big difference.

Looking for independent virtual care?
Get care

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Healthy eating 10
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What you eat and drink affects your weight, but obesity management isn't just about dieting.

  • Find what works for you: There's no one perfect diet. A registered dietitian can help create a plan that fits your lifestyle.
  • Improve your relationship with food: Many people struggle with food. A therapist or healthcare professional can help you build healthier habits.
  • Balance food and exercise: Eating well and staying active are both important for your overall health, even if weight loss is slow.

Get expert nutrition support with Nourish-virtual registered dietitians covered by many insurance plans.
Get started

What you eat and drink affects your weight, but obesity management isn't just about dieting. A diet for obesity or a diet for overweight should focus on long‑term, sustainable habits.

  • Find what works for you: There's no one perfect diet. A registered dietitian can help create a plan that fits your lifestyle.
  • Improve your relationship with food: Many people struggle with food. A therapist or healthcare professional can help you build healthier habits.
  • Balance food and exercise: Eating well and staying active are both important for your overall health, even if weight loss is slow.
Photograph of a person holding an apple in their hand.

Staying active 11

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Moving your body is great for your health, no matter your weight.

  • Pick an activity you enjoy so you’ll stick with it.
  • Find something that fits your routine and is easy to do.
  • Be flexible. Your exercise plan may need to change with the seasons.
  • Focus on being consistent rather than pushing yourself too hard.

Explore science-backed articles and videos about movement in our well-being library.

Explore now

Moving your body is great for your health, no matter your weight.

  • Pick an activity you enjoy so you’ll stick with it.
  • Find something that fits your routine and is easy to do.
  • Be flexible. Your exercise plan may need to change with the seasons.
  • Focus on being consistent rather than pushing yourself too hard.
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Taking care of your mental health 12

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Your weight isn’t just about your body— your mind matters too.

  • Dealing with stigma: Society can be harsh, and negative attitudes about weight can affect self-esteem.
  • Getting support: Professionals like therapists and counselors can help with emotions and building confidence.

Your weight isn’t just about your body— your mind matters too.

  • Dealing with stigma: Society can be harsh, and negative attitudes about weight can affect self-esteem.
  • Getting support: Professionals like therapists and counselors can help with emotions and building confidence.
Photograph of a person having a conversation with their therapist.

Better sleep for better health 13

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Good sleep may help with with obesity management and overall well-being. Adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Sleep tips:

  • Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and big meals before bed.
  • Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

For more tips and resources on sleep, visit our well-being library.
Explore now

Looking for sleep specialists? Find an independent in-person provider or explore an independent virtual care option.

Good sleep may help with with obesity management and overall well-being. Adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Sleep tips:

  • Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and big meals before bed.
  • Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Looking for sleep specialists? Find an independent virtual provider.

Photograph of a person sleeping in bed.
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WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Managing obesity is a marathon, not a sprint

Remember that obesity is a chronic disease with multiple causes. It is not a personal failing or a matter of willpower.

If you are living with obesity, seek out healthcare providers who understand that obesity is a disease. There are many providers out there who can work with you so that you get the care you deserve.

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References

  1. Obesity Action Coalition. About Obesity (Causes and Classifications). Available at:
    https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/causes/ [obesityaction.org]
  2. Ministry of Health & Prevention, UAE. Obesity Study 2023.
    https://mohap.gov.ae/documents/20117/1212145/Obesity+Study+2023-516.pdf
  3. World Health Organization. One in eight people are now living with obesity. News release, 1 March 2024.
    Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-03-2024-one-in-eight-people-are-now-living-with-obesity
  4. Obesity Action Coalition. Understanding Obesity Stigma. Educational brochure developed with the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/wp-content/uploads/Understanding-Obesity-Stigma-Brochure20200313.pdf
  5. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.
    8. Obesity and Weight Management for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025.
    Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Supplement 1):S167–S180.
    Available at: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/Supplement_1/S167/157555/8-Obesity-and-Weight-Manageme… [diabetesjournals.org]
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Risk Factors for Obesity. Updated November 14, 2025.
    Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/risk-factors/risk-factors.html
  7. Obesity Action Coalition. Measuring My Weight.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/measuring-my-weight/
  8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/health-risks
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Steps for Losing Weight. Updated January 17, 2025.
    Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/losing-weight/index.html
  10. Obesity Action Coalition. Nutrition. Education and Support: Learn About Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/nutrition/
  11. Obesity Action Coalition. Exercise. Education and Support: Learn About Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/exercise/
  12. Obesity Action Coalition. Mental Health. Education and Support: Learn About Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/mental-health/
  13. Obesity Action Coalition. The Connection Between Sleep and Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/the-connection-between-sleep-and-obesity/
  14. Obesity Action Coalition. Common Myths About Obesity. Education and Support: Learn About Obesity.
    Available at: https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/common-myths/
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