Obesity

2 medicines

Obesity is a chronic condition in which excess body fat builds up enough to damage health, usually defined by a BMI of 30 or above. Treatment combines lifestyle changes with medicines such as orlistat or combined bupropion and naltrexone.

Contrave

Bupropion, Naltrexone

8/90mg

Contrave is a weight loss medication containing Bupropion + Naltrexone, available as 8/90mg tablets.

from $2.11 / tablet View

Xenical

Orlistat

60/120mg

Xenical is a weight loss medication containing Orlistat, available as 60/120mg tablets.

from $0.81 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Obesity is a chronic condition in which excess body fat builds up enough to damage health, clinically defined as a BMI of 30 or above.
  • Hunger and satiety hormones (leptin and ghrelin) shift after weight loss to push appetite back up, which is a biological reason sustained change is hard on willpower alone.
  • Lifestyle changes (calorie awareness, movement, sleep) are the foundation; weight loss medicines include orlistat, which blocks fat absorption, or combined bupropion and naltrexone, which target appetite and reward pathways.
  • See a doctor for chest pain, breathlessness at rest, or signs of high blood sugar alongside significant weight gain.

What obesity is

Obesity is a chronic condition defined by excess body fat that reaches a level capable of damaging health. The standard clinical marker is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, though waist circumference and how fat is distributed around the body also matter for assessing risk. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and joint damage, among other conditions.

Why it is hard to treat by willpower alone

Obesity involves hormonal and neurological feedback loops that actively resist weight loss. Leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that govern hunger and fullness, adjust after weight is lost in ways that increase appetite, which is a biological reason sustained change is difficult without structured support rather than a failure of willpower.

How obesity is treated

Lifestyle work, calorie awareness, regular movement, and good sleep, forms the foundation of treatment, but medicines play a meaningful role for many people. Weight loss options include orlistat, which reduces how much dietary fat the gut absorbs, and combination treatment with bupropion and naltrexone, which target the appetite and reward pathways in the brain together.

When to see a doctor

Unexplained chest pain, breathlessness at rest, or signs of a blood-sugar problem, such as extreme thirst and blurred vision, alongside significant weight gain warrant prompt medical review. A clinician can also check for underlying causes such as an underactive thyroid or medication side effects before starting treatment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.