Obesity Help & Weight Management
Dealing with weight issues can be quite discouraging, especially if you've tried changing your diet or becoming more active without seeing lasting results. Weight isn't just about what you eat or how much you move; things like your health, mental state, family history, and lifestyle all play a part.
GP-Led · Confidential · No Referral Needed
If you're looking for obesity help, a private GP Appointment will help assess your individual circumstances, explore reasons that may be responsible for your weight and discuss practical options for long-term weight management.1,2
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
How Is Obesity and Overweight Assessed?
Obesity is all about carrying too much body fat, which can affect your health and bring extra risks. For most of you, a BMI between 25 - 29.9 means you're overweight, and 30 or above counts as obesity.
But BMI is not always a perfect measure because it doesn't separate muscle from fat. Dr Faizal will also look at your waist size, your background, and any health conditions you already have to get a complete picture of your weight-related health problems.1
Depending on your ethnic background, you might experience weight-related health risks even with a lower BMI. Waist-to-height ratio helps too, since it gives a clearer picture of how much abdominal fat you're carrying. The NHS states that, where appropriate, adults with a BMI below 35 should make sure that their waist is less than half their height.1
Your GP won't rely on just one number. He'll take a look at your medical history, current health, and anything else that matters before prescribing any treatment that is suitable for your health.
What Causes Obesity and Weight Gain?
Obesity is usually caused by a number of factors which may include:2
- What you eat, how much, and how often
- How active you are
- Family history and genetics
- Health conditions
- Medications
- Sleep and mood
- Stress
- Hormonal shifts like menopause
- Getting older or life changes
- Disabilities or health problems that make exercise harder
It's important to understand what's actually affecting your weight. That information will help you and your GP figure out which type of support will be most appropriate for your situation.
How Does Obesity Affect Your Health?
Living with overweight or obesity can increase the risk of several health conditions, including:1,2
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Certain cancers
- Osteoarthritis
- Fatty liver disease
Obesity isn't just about numbers on a scale. It can mess with your movement, drain your energy, make breathing harder, and even affect your mood. The good news is, losing just a little weight can lead to real health benefits if you're dealing with being overweight or obesity.1
How Can You Lose Weight Safely?
It's easy to fall for crash diets and fast fixes, but honestly, they're tough to stick with. Real progress comes from making changes you can live with long-term. That's what sustainable weight management is all about.1,3
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Eating balanced meals and taking small portions
- Cutting down on foods high in fat or sugar
- Getting active in ways that suit your body
- Setting goals you can actually reach
- Making small, steady changes instead of drastic ones
- Asking for help when you’re stuck
The NHS suggests that it is more sustainable to aim for slow, steady weight loss instead of trying to drop pounds quickly.1 NICE backs this up and says sticking to a balanced diet that suits you personally works best rather than trying quick fixes.2
If you have health issues linked to obesity, you take medication that affects your weight, or you've had an eating disorder, it's best to discuss with your GP before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Why Am I Struggling to Lose Weight?
If you've been working hard but aren't seeing results, don't get discouraged. It doesn't mean you're failing.
So many factors play a role in contributing to obesity which include:
- Stress or poor sleep
- Medicines you take
- Medical issues you don’t know about
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Past dieting habits
- Appetite changes
- Activity level
If you're trying but just can't make progress, Dr Faizal will help you figure out what's really holding you back.2
When Should You Seek Help With Your Weight?
You don't have to wait until your weight causes a very serious health problem.
Reach out to a GP if:
- You’re worried about your weight or BMI
- You’ve tried to lose weight again and again with no results
- Your weight is messing up your daily life
- You have a health condition linked to weight
- You’ve gained weight unexpectedly
- Your medications affect your weight
- You want advice on safe weight loss
Getting help lets you figure out your risk factors and find the best options for your health.
Not sure where to begin? A private GP appointment is the best place where you can talk openly about your weight, medical history, or anything else you're dealing with.
What Support Is Available for Obesity and Weight Concerns?
Treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. Your health, medical history, and which weight risks help determine the support you may need.1,2
It can include:
- GP assessments and personal advice
- Lifestyle and diet counselling
- Testing for weight-related health problems
- Private blood tests (if needed)
- Private weight management treatment
- Prescription treatments (if right for you)
- Specialist referral
The goal is not simply to lose weight, but to improve your overall health and develop a sustainable approach that works for you.
Meet Dr Faizal
Dr Faizal Secretary is an MRCGP and GP in Fulwood, Preston, who is registered with the GMC. Before deciding on a course of treatment, he listens to each patient and makes an effort to understand their needs. Along with other private healthcare services, he also guides you on medical weight management at My Private Clinic.
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Obesity and Weight Management
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP
What is obesity and how can it affect health?
Obesity increases your chances of having problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, joint issues, and fatty liver disease. It can also affect your energy, mobility, and emotional well-being.
What causes obesity?
Obesity is caused by a number of factors, including your diet, degree of physical activity, heredity, certain drugs, illnesses, sleep, mental health, and hormones.
How do I know if I'm overweight or living with obesity?
BMI is typically used as a starting point. For the majority of adults, overweight is defined as 25-29.9 and obesity as 30 or higher. Individual health considerations and the waist-to-height ratio are also important factors in determining whether you are obese or not.
Can a GP help with obesity and weight management?
Definitely. Your GP will assess your health, discuss lifestyle modifications, identify the factors influencing your weight, and recommend structured assistance or alternative weight-management therapies.
What's the best treatment for obesity?
There isn't a single magic solution. Options may include medications, structured assistance, lifestyle modifications, or consulting an expert, depending on your circumstances.
When should I speak to a GP about my weight?
You may want to speak to a GP if you are concerned about your weight, have repeatedly struggled to lose weight, or have a health condition that may be affected by your weight. A GP can assess your overall health and discuss suitable weight management options.
How can I lose weight safely?
Safe weight loss includes avoiding drastic limitations or crash diets in favour of sustainable changes like exercise, a nutritious diet, and gradual progress. Your strategy should be appropriate for your lifestyle and health.
Take the Next Step With Your Weight
You don't have to figure it out on your own if controlling your weight has become challenging. Dr Faizal can listen, check your health, and walk you through options that fit your needs.
References
- NHS. Overweight and obesity in adults. Accessed October 9, 2026. NHS: Overweight and obesity in adults
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Overweight and obesity management. NICE guideline NG246. Updated January 8, 2026. Accessed October 9, 2026. NICE guideline NG246
- NHS. Tips to help you lose weight. Accessed October 9, 2026. NHS: Tips to help you lose weight