Being overweight or obese means carrying more body fat than is healthy for you. Body mass index (BMI) is a common screening measure, but weight is shaped by food, activity, sleep, hormones, medicines and family history, so each person's picture is different.
Common Signs
- Gradual weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
- Breathlessness on climbing stairs or walking.
- Tiredness, snoring or poor sleep.
- Joint strain in the knees, hips or back.
- Raised blood pressure or blood sugar found on tests.
When to See a Doctor Promptly
- Rapid or unexplained weight gain or loss.
- Breathlessness, chest pain or swelling of the legs.
- Blood sugar or blood pressure readings that are persistently high.
- Weight changes together with extreme tiredness, feeling cold or irregular periods.
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
What Dr. Arpana Highlights
Dr. Arpana explains that obesity, especially fat around the abdomen, affects how the body handles carbohydrates, and it makes diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol more likely over the years. A simple starting point is to check your weight against a height-and-weight chart for your build.
Weight rises when the calories you eat are more than the calories you burn. She lists the factors that add to it: obesity that begins in childhood, family eating patterns, professions built around food, hormonal conditions such as an underactive thyroid, and life stages such as pregnancy and puberty. After those stages, she advises coming back to your usual weight with exercise.
Her balanced approach is that food is for enjoyment. An occasional big meal at a party or business lunch does no harm, as long as you make up for it the next day with extra activity. What matters most is portion size, and striking a balance between what you eat and how much you move. No outcome is promised, and do not stop prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BMI the only measure that matters?
No. Waist size, your tests and your overall health matter too. Your doctor can help interpret them.
Can hormones affect weight?
Yes. Conditions such as thyroid problems and PCOS can influence weight, which is why a proper assessment is useful.
Do I still need diet and exercise?
Yes. Food, movement and sleep matter in every case. Homeopathy is used alongside them, and dietary guidance is given where it suits you.
You can book a consultation or read the frequently asked questions. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.