Obesity is a disease.¹ Let’s treat it like one.

Help from a knowledgeable doctor or other healthcare professional can be an important part of obesity care. Your doctor should evaluate for factors that contribute to weight gain and assess for weight-related complications. For example, your doctor may find that medications you currently take can make it harder to lose weight. In this case, they can help you determine whether there is an alternative.

Your doctor can help support your efforts for a healthy lifestyle and emotional well-being (see more information below). They can also help you decide what other treatment options are best for you. In some cases, you might be prescribed medication for obesity. These medications may help adults with obesity lose weight and keep it off with continued treatment. Some patients may undergo surgery as a means of obesity management.

While many people with obesity have had negative experiences with medical care, the right healthcare professional can make a difference.

You likely know that what you eat and drink impacts your weight. Many people with obesity have changed what they eat in order to lose weight. Often, the extra weight comes back. The cycle can leave you feeling hopeless and frustrated.

With diet and exercise alone, it can be challenging to keep weight off over time. However, healthy eating and physical activity have numerous health benefits and are an important part of obesity management.

There’s no single eating plan that works for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all eating plan. Instead, your body’s needs depend on many factors, including your activity level and goals.

Qualified care professionals, such as a Registered Dietitian, can help you find an eating plan that is right for you.

Your relationship with food is also an important part of weight management. Many people living with obesity have a strained relationship with food.

Healing your relationship with food might be an important part of your journey. If you are working to improve your self-esteem and body image, a therapist or other healthcare professional may help.

Movement is an important part of any health journey, regardless of weight. Being physically active can improve your health and may help you manage your weight.

There’s no one exercise that’s perfect for everyone. Like food choices, your movement plan should be unique to your needs and goals.

Ideally, the exercise you choose should be both enjoyable and accessible.

Choosing an activity that you enjoy can help you be consistent. If you aren't sure what type of activity you would enjoy, try new things until you find something that you like.

Try to choose an activity that you can do without too much of a burden. For example, walking outdoors may be great during some seasons but dangerous in others. You may need to adapt your plans, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

You don’t have to push yourself to exhaustion or do exercise that you hate. Instead, having a realistic plan and consistently showing up can help you achieve your goals.

An overlooked part of managing obesity is learning to care for your mind.

Living with obesity often means facing stigma and discrimination in our society. This can take a toll on your mental health. You may even start to believe you’re somehow worth less than other people because of the size of your body.

Depending on how you feel, you might benefit from professional support for your mental health as well. There are many types of mental health professionals who may be able to help.

Psychologists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors are trained to help you talk through your emotions. They can teach you coping skills and more.

Psychiatrists and mental health nurse practitioners are trained medical professionals who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medication if that’s right for you.

When you think about weight management, you probably don’t consider your sleeping habits. However, the amount and quality of your sleep can affect your physical and mental health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

How well you sleep is also important. For optimal sleep, try these tips: 

• Make sure your room is dark and quiet
• Keep the temperature comfortable
• Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol before bedtime
• Avoid eating a large meal too close to bedtime
• Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule

If you’ve tried to improve your sleep habits but still feel exhausted, talk with your doctor or other health care professional.

Taking care of sleep issues can improve your quality of life and may help you have the energy to continue on your weight management journey.