Obesity

Obesity is a disease where the accumulation of excess fat builds up in the human body. According to the WHO, 1 in 8 people live with obesity, and 2.5 billion adults are overweight. Obesity opens the door to multiple severe health conditions, including heart risk, calling for the need to fight this disease. This page will cover what obesity is, what its symptoms are, its causes, treatments and what role health insurance plays in obesity.

Obesity is a condition where a person has excess body fat that can harm overall health. It usually develops when calorie intake is consistently higher than the body’s energy use. Obesity increases the risk of problems like diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain, and it often requires long-term lifestyle changes to manage.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure that uses a person’s height and weight to assess whether their body weight is within a healthy range. It helps identify if someone is underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese.

Note: BMI is a general screening tool and does not directly measure body fat or muscle mass.

Obesity is commonly classified based on Body Mass Index (BMI), which helps assess the severity of excess body weight.

• Class 1 Obesity (BMI 30.0–34.9)

Considered mild obesity, this stage carries an increased risk of lifestyle-related health issues.

• Class 2 Obesity (BMI 35.0–39.9)

Known as moderate obesity, it is associated with a higher risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

• Class 3 Obesity (BMI 40 and above)

Also called severe or morbid obesity, this stage has a very high risk of serious health complications and often requires medical supervision.

Explore key statistics on obesity worldwide and in India, highlighting trends, prevalence, and projections for adults and children.

• In 2022, about 2.5 billion adults (aged 18 +) were overweight, including over 890 million adults living with obesity, representing around 43 % of the world’s adult population. This reflects a significant increase from 1990

• Among children and adolescents aged 5–19 years, overweight prevalence has risen from 8 % in 1990 to about 20 % in 2022

• WHO estimates that the number of overweight children under 5 years old in 2024 was around 35 million globally.

• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), around 24 % of Indian women and 23 % of Indian men aged 15-49 years are overweight or obese. In the same age group, 6.4 % of women and 4.0 % of men are classified as obese (BMI ≥30).

• Research shows that abdominal obesity is high in India, affecting over half of adults in some studies, with about 12 % classified as obese.

• Worldwide, obesity rates have risen sharply over recent decades, and projections suggest that more than half of adults and around one-third of children could be overweight or obese by 2050 without strong public health action. (Lancet report projections)

Sources -

• WHO Obesity and Overweight:
  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

• Lancelot Report:
  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00397-6/fulltext

• Obesity in India Research:
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204471/

• Research on Temporal change in prevalence of BMI categories in India:
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11097587

Obesity usually develops due to a combination of lifestyle, biological, and environmental factors rather than a single cause.

1. Excess calorie intake

Regular consumption of high-calorie, sugary, and processed foods without enough physical activity.

2. Lack of physical activity

Sedentary lifestyles, desk jobs, long screen time, and minimal exercise reduce calorie burn.

3. Poor dietary habits

Skipping meals, overeating, frequent snacking, and reliance on fast food contribute to weight gain.

4. Genetic factors

Family history can influence how the body stores fat and regulates appetite.

5. Hormonal and medical conditions

Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and Cushing’s syndrome can lead to weight gain.

6. Stress and emotional eating

Stress, anxiety, and depression may trigger overeating or unhealthy food choices.

7. Lack of sleep

Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, increasing appetite and cravings.

8. Certain medications

Some medicines, such as steroids, antidepressants, and hormonal drugs, may cause weight gain.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of several short-term and long-term health problems that can affect overall quality of life.

• Type 2 diabetes

Excess body fat reduces insulin sensitivity, leading to high blood sugar levels.

• Heart disease and stroke

Obesity raises blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, increasing cardiovascular risk.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

Extra body weight puts added strain on the heart and blood vessels.

• Joint and bone problems

Increased weight stresses joints, leading to knee pain, osteoarthritis, and mobility issues.

• Breathing problems

Conditions like sleep apnoea and shortness of breath are more common in people with obesity.

• Fatty liver disease

Excess fat accumulation in the liver can lead to inflammation and long-term liver damage.

• Hormonal and reproductive issues

Obesity can cause irregular periods, infertility, and pregnancy complications.

• Certain cancers

Higher risk of cancers such as breast, colon, endometrial, and kidney cancer.

• Mental health concerns

Obesity is linked to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social stigma.

Obesity does not always cause obvious symptoms at first, but over time, it can affect daily comfort, physical ability, and overall health.

• Excess body weight or visible fat accumulation, especially around the abdomen

• Breathlessness during routine activities like walking or climbing stairs

• Easy fatigue and low energy levels

• Excessive sweating even with minimal activity

• Joint pain, especially in the knees, hips, and lower back

• Difficulty sleeping or sleep apnoea symptoms such as loud snoring

• Reduced physical stamina and mobility

• Skin issues, including rashes or infections in skin folds

Doctors diagnose obesity by assessing body weight, fat distribution, and related health risks.

• BMI of 30 or above indicates obesity

• Increased waist circumference suggests higher risk

• Medical history and lifestyle assessment

• Physical examination and vital checks

• Blood tests to identify related conditions

When obesity is moderate to severe or associated with medical complications, doctors may recommend clinical treatments beyond lifestyle measures.

1. Prescription Anti-Obesity Medicines

Doctor-prescribed drugs that act on appetite control, satiety, or fat absorption. These are used under medical supervision and are indicated when BMI thresholds and risk factors are met.

2. Injectable Weight-Loss Medications

Advanced medicines that regulate hunger hormones and slow gastric emptying, helping reduce calorie intake and improve metabolic control. Regular monitoring is required.

3. Endoscopic Weight-Loss Procedures

Non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures performed via the mouth (e.g., gastric balloons) to reduce stomach capacity temporarily and promote early fullness.

4. Bariatric (Weight-Loss) Surgery

Surgical procedures that alter the digestive system to limit food intake and/or nutrient absorption. Commonly recommended for severe obesity or obesity with serious comorbidities.

5. Types of Bariatric Surgery

Includes gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding, chosen based on BMI, health conditions, and clinical evaluation.

6. Medical Follow-up & Nutritional Monitoring

Long-term medical supervision is essential after treatment or surgery to manage nutrient deficiencies, metabolic changes, and weight maintenance.

These treatments are recommended only after thorough medical assessment and counselling, as obesity management is a long-term clinical process.

Preventing obesity focuses on early and consistent health practices that help maintain a healthy body weight over time.

• Balanced and mindful eating to avoid excess calorie intake

• Regular physical activity to maintain energy balance

• Adequate sleep to regulate hunger and metabolism

• Stress management to reduce emotional or binge eating

• Limiting sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods

• Regular health check-ups to monitor weight and metabolic health

Here are some health insurance policies that can be considered

Buying a health insurance policy that considers obesity can be beneficial for individuals who face a higher risk of weight-related health issues, including:

• People with frequent consumption of junk food, sugary drinks, or high-calorie diets

• Individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle with little or no regular physical activity

• Those with high or regular alcohol intake, which can contribute to weight gain

• People with a family history of obesity or metabolic disorders

• Individuals diagnosed with hormonal or metabolic conditions such as PCOD, PCOS, or thyroid disorders

• People who consistently get less than 7 hours of sleep, affecting metabolism and appetite

• Individuals experiencing chronic stress, which may lead to hormonal imbalance and overeating

• Those taking long-term medications like steroids or certain antidepressants that may cause weight gain

Health insurance plans covering obesity usually include essential treatment, surgery, and long-term care benefits, though the scope varies by insurer.

• Hospitalisation cover for obesity-related treatment, including pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses and medical consumables

• Bariatric and weight-loss surgeries such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and laparoscopic gastric banding when medically required

• Coverage for pre-existing obesity from day 1 or after a short waiting period (31 days) in select plans

• Chronic care and disease management support, including obesity-linked conditions

• Preventive and wellness benefits, including annual health check-ups, nutritional counselling, and weight management programmes

• Financial protection add-ons, such as daily hospital cash and restoration of sum insured, if included in the policy

Note: Coverage for obesity varies across health insurance plans and insurers.

Most obesity-related health insurance plans do not cover:

• Cosmetic or elective bariatric surgeries

• Plastic or aesthetic procedures not medically necessary

• Dietary supplements and weight-loss products

• Experimental or unproven treatments

• Rest cures, rehabilitation stays, or wellness retreats

• Investigative or diagnostic procedures not linked to active treatment

Always check the policy wording for exact inclusions, exclusions, and waiting periods.

Obesity can lead to higher health insurance premiums because it increases the risk of medical claims related to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Insurers may apply loading charges, waiting periods, or exclusions based on BMI and existing health conditions.

Disclaimer:

The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Health insurance coverage for obesity, including inclusions, exclusions, waiting periods, and eligibility criteria, varies by insurer, policy type, and individual medical assessment. Readers are advised to consult a qualified medical professional for health-related decisions and carefully review the policy wording or speak with the insurer before purchasing or relying on any health insurance plan.