Most people ignore these obesity warning signs – Are you one of them?

Posted on:

Despite obesity’s worldwide prevalence, many of us fail to recognise the early warning signs of obesity until it leads to severe health complications. Understanding these signs can help us take proactive steps to protect health and well-being.

Obesity is more than just carrying extra weight. It is a complex condition linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even certain cancers. The earlier you detect and address the signs of obesity, the better your chances of avoiding these life-threatening conditions.

Common Warning Signs of Obesity

  • Increased waist circumference – A waist measurement of over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women is a strong indicator of abdominal obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of metabolic disorders.
  • BMI – For most adults, having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be a healthy weight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered to be obese. (Find out your body mass index (BMI) here: BMI calculator.)
  • Difficulty with physical activity – Struggling with everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking short distances, and experiencing breathlessness.
  • Snoring or Sleep Apnoea – A condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Snoring persistently can also be an early warning sign of being obese.
  • Persistent Fatigue – Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on your body, leading to feelings of constant tiredness or low energy
  • Joint Pain or Stiffness – Excess weight can cause wear and tear on your joints, especially in the knees, hips, and lower back, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
  • Frequent Hunger and Cravings – Hormonal imbalances can disrupt appetite regulation, making you feel hungrier and crave unhealthy foods.

If your body is showing these warning signs, it’s time to take charge

  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle
    • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
    • Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
    • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support your metabolism and overall health.
  • Seek Professional Support
    Download NHS Weight Loss Plan app and if you’re still struggling to manage your weight, consider speaking to one of our healthcare professional or a dedicated care coordinator. We can guide you towards weight management programmes and other resources and support to take charge of your health that might not otherwise be accessible.

I lost 18lb with the help of Care Coordinator.

And I’ve found exercises tailored to my back and mobility issues, and the regular check-in calls from the Care Coordinator Team have been incredibly helpful. This has also resulted in me been able to discover what my bad habits get triggered by and how to overcome them.
Heather
Jan 2025

Great support via patchs for weight concerns.

Recently submitted a PATCHS request about my severe weight loss and within 10 minutes they recognised a potential issue and promptly booked me an appointment with an ANP who then help me understand what was going on and directed me to useful resources and support
Anonymous
Feb 2025
  • Schedule a Free NHS Health Check
    It is a free health check-up for individuals aged 40 to 74, assessing their overall well-being. This check-up helps determine if you are at a higher risk of developing certain health conditions such as:
    Diabetes | Heart disease | Kidney disease | Stroke and dementia
  • If you think you are eligible for NHS free health check and didn’t receive any invite from us, send us a PATCHS request to schedule your appointment for a Free NHS Health check review.

Schedule your appointment now via PATCHS

Obesity significantly impacts health in England, reducing life expectancy by an average of 3 to 10 years, depending on its severity.

Even if achieving a healthy weight seems challenging, losing any amount of excess weight and maintaining that loss can lower your risk of obesity-related health conditions.(nhs.uk)