What is Obesity

Obesity

Obesity is a disease of civilization. In the long term, it causes secondary diseases. It is worth taking timely countermeasures with the right diet and exercise.

Obesity »

Books to fight obesity

Books

Are you looking for a way to lose weight? We have the eBook for you and your situation that can help! Just have a look and find your solution.

Books »

Conservative Treatment Options

Treatments

The pathogenesis of obesity is as complex and varied as people are different. So there lots of options and possible solutions.

Treatments »

What is Obesity? It’ll change your live.

Obesity, medically known as adiposity, is recognized by the World Health Organization as a chronic disease since 1997. It poses significant health risks globally. Obesity is classified into three grades based on BMI: Grade 1 (BMI 30-34.9), Grade 2 (BMI 35-39.9), and Grade 3 (BMI 40 and above). Effective management and treatment involve understanding the individual’s unique situation and providing tailored interventions.

Obesity »

What is Obesity

Welcome to the Obesity Network See for yourself.

Regardless of your weight, you may want to lose some. There are various paths to achieve this. What would be a realistic goal for you? We recommend starting with small, manageable steps and working your way up. Your doctor will likely advise you to change your eating and exercise habits: eat less and move more. While easier said than done, finding enjoyable activities can help maintain long-term lifestyle changes.

Treatments »

Obesity Network

Conservative Treatment Options You can do something about it.

Conservative Treatments - Non-surgical treatments include dietary therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. A multimodal approach, which combines these methods, often leads to the best outcomes. This includes diet changes supervised by a dietitian, increased physical activity, and behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy can address underlying psychological issues contributing to obesity.

Treatments »

Conservative Treatment Options

Surgical Treatment Options They can do something about it.

Surgical Treatments - For severe cases, surgical options such as gastric banding, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy are available. These procedures are typically recommended for individuals with a BMI over 40 or those with significant health issues related to obesity. Post-surgery, patients must adhere to a comprehensive aftercare program, including nutritional guidance and psychological support, to maintain long-term success.

Treatments »

Surgical Treatment Options

The Obesity Network: Uniting Expertise to Inform Positive Change

Addressing the Obesity Epidemic in the United States

Overweight and obesity are major public health challenges in the United States, affecting more than 42% of American adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity-related medical conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer—are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.

The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was nearly $173 billion in 2019. Individuals with obesity typically incur medical costs that are $1,861 higher than those of individuals with a healthy weight. These figures emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to address obesity nationwide.

The Role of The Obesity Network

The Obesity Network brings together leaders from diverse sectors—including healthcare, public health, academia, local government, retail, and nonprofits—to develop innovative, collaborative solutions to reduce obesity rates and promote healthier communities.

Its core objectives include:

  • Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging public health data, socioeconomic trends, and lifestyle patterns to identify key contributors to obesity.
  • Environmental Focus: Investigating the role of the built and social environment—including food deserts, physical activity access, and marketing—in shaping obesity risk.
  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: Building bridges between researchers, community organizations, policy makers, and the private sector to align strategies and share knowledge.

Research and National Impact

The Obesity Network contributes to academic research that informs national policy and local interventions. Its members have published in leading journals, exploring topics like the integration of big data in obesity surveillance, visualization tools for community planning, and frameworks for equity-based obesity prevention.

Beyond research, the network fosters partnerships that have led to community-based pilot programs, mentoring of early-career professionals, and increased engagement with health departments, school systems, and corporate wellness initiatives.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for the U.S.

The Obesity Network is committed to advancing sustainable, inclusive approaches to obesity prevention and care across the United States. Strategic areas of focus moving forward include:

  • Policy Change: Advocating for stronger public health policies at federal, state, and local levels—such as funding for nutrition programs, food labeling laws, and physical education in schools.
  • Public Education: Raising awareness that obesity is a complex, chronic disease—not merely a lifestyle choice—and combating stigma through inclusive messaging and storytelling.
  • Innovation and Technology: Supporting the development and dissemination of digital tools and mobile health solutions to help individuals monitor progress and access personalized care.

By bringing together data, expertise, and community engagement, the Obesity Network aims to reshape the U.S. response to obesity and help build a healthier, more equitable future.


Frequently asked Questions

Obesity is considered a health problem because it increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions. These include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and more. Being overweight can also lead to issues with mobility and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight to avoid these risks and live a healthier life.

Obesity is caused by a combination of factors including poor diet, lack of physical activity, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Eating high-calorie foods, having a sedentary lifestyle, and having a family history of obesity can all contribute to gaining excess weight. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances or medications can also lead to weight gain. It's often a complex mix of these factors that causes obesity.

Kids can lose weight safely by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. It’s important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding sugary drinks and junk food. Regular physical activity, like playing sports or going for walks, can help too. Parents should encourage healthy habits and be supportive. It’s also a good idea to talk to a doctor or a nutritionist for personalized advice.

Yes, there are many health benefits to losing weight. Losing excess weight can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also improve mobility, increase energy levels, and boost mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Maintaining a healthy weight can lead to a better quality of life overall.

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. It’s used to classify individuals into different weight categories, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. While BMI is a useful tool for assessing weight status, it’s not perfect because it doesn’t account for muscle mass or distribution of fat. It’s often used along with other measurements to get a full picture of health.

The information provided on obesity-network.com is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. The content on obesity-network.com is not intended for use in self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For more information see the detailed disclaimer.