Chronic disease of excess adiposity; its management combines appetite regulation (GLP-1), a diet with a sustainable deficit, exercise, and, in some cases, drugs. Read more.
17 factors with evidence, ordered from highest to lowest effectiveness. Information, not medical advice.
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Obesity is a chronic disease of excess adiposity (usually defined by a BMI ≥30, although waist circumference and visceral fat describe the risk better). It is not a simple matter of willpower: hormonal regulation of appetite (leptin, ghrelin, insulin, GLP-1), genetics, sleep, stress and the food environment are all involved.
The interventions with the most demonstrated impact are GLP-1/GIP agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide), diet with a sustainable caloric deficit (including time-restricted eating and high-protein intake to preserve muscle) and exercise (above all to maintain the loss and lean mass). Drugs such as metformin and supplements such as fiber or berberine have more modest effects. See each profile for its level of evidence and its dose.