What Is Obesity?
Obesity is a chronic, progressive condition that occurs when a person carries excess body fat that may impair health. It is recognised as a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) and many national health authorities, including in Australia.
Obesity is not simply a matter of willpower or lifestyle — it is influenced by a combination of genetics, hormones, environment, behaviour, and psychological factors.
In Australia, more than 60% of adults are living with overweight or obesity, and this number continues to rise.
Understanding obesity is the first step toward managing it. At Brisbane Obesity Clinic, we’re committed to supporting you with compassionate care, proven treatments, and long-term results.
Your New Health Journey Starts Here. Call Now: (07) 3871 2277 or
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Measuring Obesity
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Why Obesity Matters
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Understanding the Causes
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Managing Obesity
The most commonly used tool to classify obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing a person’s weight (kg) by their height (m²). While BMI has its limitations, it provides a helpful starting point.
BMI Range | Classification |
18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
30 – 34.9 | Obesity – Class I |
35 – 39.9 | Obesity – Class II |
40 and above | Obesity – Class III |
Other tools such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, and metabolic health markers are increasingly used to provide a more complete picture of a person’s health risks.
Obesity increases the risk of a wide range of serious health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Certain types of cancer (e.g., breast, bowel)
- Osteoarthritis and joint problems
- Gallbladder disease
- Infertility and pregnancy complications
- Depression and reduced quality of life
The impact of obesity is not just physical — it can affect mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, often contributing to stigma and reduced self-esteem.
Obesity is caused by more than just eating too much or exercising too little. Contributing factors may include:
- Genetics and family history
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress and emotional eating
- Poor sleep
- Certain medications
- Limited access to healthy food or safe spaces for physical activity
- Underlying mental health conditions
At Brisbane Obesity Clinic, we treat obesity as a medical condition — not a personal failure.
If you’re living with obesity, you’re not alone — and help is available.
Our clinic offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatment options, including:
- Non-surgical weight loss programs, such as our 12-week Accelerate Program
- Minimally invasive weight loss procedures, including Orbera® Intragastric Balloon
- Weight loss surgery, such as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Mini-Gastric Bypass and Gastric Bypass
We provide personalised care plans tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and medical history.
Your New Health Journey Starts Here. Call Now: (07) 3871 2277 or
Your BMR calculator generates the number of calories your body burns per day at rest. Your BMR with activity factor is the number of calories your body burns per day based on the activity factor you selected.
Resources & Further Information
References
www.aso.org.uk – The Association for the Study of Obesity
World Health Organization. Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic. Report of a WHO Consultation: WHO Technical Report Series 894. Geneva: WHO, 2000.World Health Organization (WHO), International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). The Asia-Pacific Perspective: Redefining Obesity and its Treatment. Sydney: Health Communications Australia Pty Ltd, 2000.
World Health Organization (WHO), International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). The Asia-Pacific Perspective: Redefining Obesity and its Treatment. Sydney: Health Communications Australia Pty Ltd, 2000.
www.phaa.net.au – Public Health Association of Australia.
www.heartfoundation.com.au – National Heart Foundation of Australia
Australian Society for the Study of Obesity, Obesity in Australian Adults: Causes, Prevention and Management, available at http://www.asso.org.au
last accessed 09/01/2011