overvekt

Overvekt is a condition in which a person carries excess body fat that may have negative health effects. It is commonly defined using body mass index (BMI), a measure calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight, while 30 or higher is classified as obesity. For children and adolescents, overweight is defined by BMI-for-age percentiles rather than fixed thresholds.

Causes of overvekt are multifactorial and include an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, genetics, and metabolic factors. Lifestyle factors such as diet quality and physical activity play substantial roles, but environmental, socioeconomic, psychological, and cultural influences also contribute. Some medications, medical conditions, or hormonal disorders can promote weight gain. The complexity of factors means there is no single cause for an individual case.

The condition is associated with increased risk of several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. Central or abdominal fat, often assessed by waist circumference, is strongly linked to metabolic risk, independent of BMI.

Management focuses on gradual, sustained weight loss and the reduction of health risks. Core approaches include dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioral support. In some cases, pharmacotherapy (for example, orlistat or GLP-1 receptor agonists) or metabolic/bariatric surgery may be appropriate, particularly for individuals with obesity or obesity-related complications, after medical evaluation.

Prevention at the population level emphasizes healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, reduced sedentary behavior, and strategies to address social determinants of health. It is important to approach overweight with neutral, non-stigmatizing care, emphasizing overall health and well-being rather than weight alone.