overweights

Overweight is a term used in health care to describe a person whose weight exceeds what is considered healthy for their height. It is commonly defined by body mass index (BMI), with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 categorized as overweight and a BMI of 30.0 or higher classified as obesity. BMI is a simple measure but does not distinguish fat from lean mass or capture fat distribution.

Overweight is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. Risk increases with the amount and distribution of body fat, particularly abdominal fat, which BMI may not fully reflect. Not all individuals with overweight experience health problems, and health status depends on a combination of factors beyond weight alone.

Causes are multifactorial: long-term energy imbalance, genetics, hormones, and certain medications or medical conditions can contribute. Environmental and social factors—such as access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity, sleep quality, stress, and socioeconomic status—also play important roles. Cultural norms and stigma can affect care and motivation to seek help.

Management aims to improve metabolic health and reduce disease risk. Weight loss is advised for those with overweight who have health problems or rapidly increasing weight. Approaches include structured dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral support. In appropriately selected cases, pharmacotherapy may be used, and bariatric surgery is considered mainly for obesity (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with obesity-related comorbidities) after other methods have been tried.

Prevention focuses on promoting healthy eating, regular activity, and environments that support healthier choices. Early-life factors influence weight trajectories, and public health efforts seek to reduce weight-related stigma in health care and society.