Obesity is influenced by various causes, which are usually a combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. Health is impacted by an individual’s dietary, physical activity, and exercise decisions. So, there can be a variety of reasons why some people struggle to lose weight.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used tool to check whether your weight falls in a healthy range. It is calculated as:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m) × Height (m)]
Interestingly, research shows that Indians tend to carry more internal (visceral) fat than Western populations, even at a lower BMI, and that raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease earlier in life. This is why the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Nutrition came up with lower, India-specific BMI cut-offs:
| BMI Range (kg/m²) | Category |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal |
| 23.0 – 24.9 | Overweight |
| 25.0 and above | Obese |
A BMI of 40 or higher (or 35 or higher with a related condition like diabetes or hypertension) is generally classified as severe or “morbid” obesity, and it is usually the stage where bariatric surgery becomes an option worth considering.
The main cause of obesity is either an individual is moving too little or eating too much on a daily basis.
People with more weight than their desired body weight are at high risk of several health conditions:-
Obese people are frequently subjected to discrimination because of being overweight. Being overweight might lead to emotions of despair or a lack of self-worth over time.
Treatment depends on your BMI, overall health and whether you already have a weight-related condition like diabetes or hypertension:
This is usually the first step for most people. Eating healthy, regular exercise and building positive habits that stick tends to work well, especially at lower BMI levels.
For some patients with a higher BMI or existing health conditions, doctors may prescribe medication under close monitoring. Newer GLP-1 based options like Wegovy and Mounjaro have recently become available in India. These are only prescribed after a proper medical evaluation, are not a substitute for lifestyle changes, and come with their own risks and side effects.
This option is generally reserved for severe obesity (a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 and above with a related condition) when other methods have not worked. Common procedures include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and mini gastric bypass, usually done through laparoscopic surgery.
The CK Birla Hospital’s GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery team works closely with our Internal Medicine specialists to help figure out which option or combination of options is right for you.
You should consider a medical consultation:
Early evaluation helps catch related conditions like diabetes or hypertension before they progress.
To speak with an Obesity Doctor or check your BMI, use our BMI Calculator or book an appointment.
Eat more whole foods and less processed or sugary food, exercise regularly, sleep properly, manage stress and stay hydrated. These habits work best together and results build gradually over time rather than overnight.
It depends on which scale you use. Globally, a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese. But Indians tend to develop weight-related health risks earlier than Western populations, so Indian clinical guidelines recommend lower cut-offs: 23 to 24.9 as overweight, and 25 or above as obese.
Obese persons are more likely to suffer a number of serious health problems, which include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and joint issues. Losing even 5 to 10% of body weight can lower these risks.
Bariatric surgery is generally an option for people with a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 and above with an obesity-related condition, who have not benefited from diet, exercise or medication. It is usually done laparoscopically. It is one of the most effective long-term treatments for severe obesity; however, it is still surgery, so the risks should be discussed with your surgeon.
Yes. Both are approved and available in India. However, they should only be taken under a doctor’s prescription and supervision. These medications work best alongside diet and lifestyle changes, not as a standalone fix, and come with their own risks and side effects that your doctor can walk you through.
Yes. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, PCOS and Cushing’s syndrome can contribute to weight gain, which is why a doctor may recommend blood tests to rule out underlying causes if you are struggling to lose weight despite lifestyle changes.
Diabetologist & Metabolic Physician
Diabetes | Obesity | Metabolism
12+ Years Experience
Gurgaon
