Speak to your GP if you:
- need advice managing your weight
- feel your weight is having a bad effect on your life or health
Getting a diagnosis of obesity
Your GP will assess your:
Your GP may ask about:
- how your weight impacts your health
- your work and home environment
- your sleep, diet, and physical activity
- if you feel stressed
- smoking and drinking alcohol
- your family history
- weight-related health problems
- medicines you are taking that may be causing weight gain
Body mass index (BMI)
Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres.
Work out your BMI using the safefood BMI healthy weight calculator.
People with a BMI of 30 or more have a high risk of obesity.
Waist circumference
Your GP will measure your waist to see where you carry your weight.
The amount of weight you carry around your tummy can affect your:
- hormones
- immune system
- risk of heart disease and diabetes
If you have more fat in your belly area than elsewhere, this may increase your risk of obesity.
For men, you have a higher risk of health problems if your waist circumference is more than 102 centimetres (40 inches).
For women, you have a higher risk of health problems if your waist circumference is more than 88 centimetres (35 inches).
Waist size cut offs are lower for people of certain ethnicities because of a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Learn how to measure your waist circumference - safefood.net
Health problems linked to weight
Your GP will check if you have any health conditions linked to your weight.
These conditions include:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- raised liver enzymes
- pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- muscle or joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis
- physical limitations, such as shortness of breath and poor mobility
- mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression
They may also carry out health checks to find out if your weight puts you at risk of developing health problems. These checks could include blood tests and measuring your blood pressure.
This will help your GP to understand your risk of obesity. They will help you decide on the best treatment plan.
Look at what support is best for you
Your GP will work with you to decide together on the best treatment plan. Ask for support from friends, family and your healthcare team.
Your healthcare team can include your:
- GP
- specialist doctor
- dietitian
- nurse
- physiotherapist
- psychologist or counsellor
- occupational therapist
Local courses and support groups are also available. Ask your GP about them.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE