Obesity is more than just excess weight; it involves the health risks posed by the impact of excess body fat on your overall well-being. As a chronic condition, it raises the risk of developing various health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Following your initial assessment, your healthcare provider will diagnose the stage of obesity you are experiencing to identify the most appropriate treatment options for your situation.

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Obesity Staging

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To determine the stage of obesity, your healthcare professional will categorize it as stage 1, 2, or 3 based on an evaluation of various obesity-related complications and their severity. This screening process generally involves routine lab tests and a review of your health history. Each stage is defined by the severity of these complications, which can range from mild to severe.

Previously, obesity stages were referred to as stages 0, 1, and 2. However, in 2023, medical experts revised this system to avoid underestimating the seriousness of obesity at its initial stage, even in the absence of weight-related health issues. The change also aims to prevent potential delays in treatment by clarifying the severity of the condition.

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Here's what the three obesity stages are based on:

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• Stage 1: Obesity with no obesity-related complications

• Stage 2: Obesity with one or more mild to moderate obesity-related complications

• Stage 3: Obesity with one or more severe obesity-related complications

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Stage 1
You have obesity, but no obesity-related complications.

Stage 2
You have obesity and one or more mild to moderate obesity-related complications. Some examples include:

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• Slightly elevated blood pressure

• Prediabetes

• Well-controlled type 2 diabetes

• Mild to moderate sleep apnea

• Borderline high cholesterol

• Mild to moderate asthma or reactive airway disease

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis

Stage 3
You have obesity and one or more severe obesity-related complications that require significant weight loss for effective treatment. Some examples include:

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• Poorly controlled diabetes

• Significantly elevated cholesterol

• Very high blood pressure

• Significant heart disease

• Severe sleep apnea

• Severe osteoarthritis

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

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After you have been diagnosed and staged, we will decide if you are a candidate for obesity treatment with medication.