Obesity is a long-term condition in which excess body fat harms health. It is usually defined by a body mass index of 30 or more, with lower thresholds used for some Asian populations, and waist size adds useful information about fat carried around the organs.
It is not a failure of willpower. Appetite, fullness and fat storage are controlled by hormones and brain pathways that push weight back up after dieting, which is why lasting weight loss usually needs structured support, medication or surgery rather than advice alone.
Symptoms
- Breathlessness on stairs or with modest effort
- Snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep, with daytime sleepiness
- Pain in the knees, hips and lower back
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Skin irritation or infection in skin folds
- Irregular periods or difficulty conceiving
- Low mood and reduced confidence in social settings
Causes and risk factors
Weight gain happens when energy intake exceeds what the body uses over years, but the reasons are complex. Genes strongly influence appetite and where fat is stored. Energy-dense food, large portions, sitting for most of the day, short sleep and stress all contribute. Some medicines promote gain, including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, steroids and insulin. Hormonal causes such as an underactive thyroid, Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome are less common but worth excluding.
How it is diagnosed
- Body mass index and waist measurement: Height, weight and waist size classify the degree of obesity and the pattern of fat distribution.
- Blood tests: Glucose or HbA1c, cholesterol, liver enzymes, thyroid function and vitamin levels look for complications and treatable causes.
- Blood pressure and heart assessment: Hypertension is common, and an ECG or echocardiogram may be needed before surgery.
- Sleep study: Recommended when snoring and sleepiness suggest obstructive sleep apnoea.
- Dietetic and psychological assessment: Eating patterns, binge eating and mood are reviewed, and this is a standard step before bariatric surgery.
Treatment options
- Structured diet and activity programme: A dietitian-led plan with a moderate calorie deficit and regular activity. Typical loss is 5 to 10 percent of body weight, which already improves blood pressure and glucose.
- Weight-loss medication: GLP-1 based injections such as semaglutide or tirzepatide reduce appetite and can produce substantial loss, but weight tends to return when they are stopped and they need medical supervision.
- Gastric balloon: A temporary balloon placed in the stomach for 6 to 12 months for people with lower degrees of obesity or as a bridge to surgery.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Keyhole removal of most of the stomach. It is the most common bariatric operation and usually suits a BMI of 35 or more with related illness, or 40 or more without.
- Gastric bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the bowel. Often preferred when there is severe reflux or type 2 diabetes.
- Lifelong follow-up: Vitamin supplements, blood tests and dietary review are needed for life after surgery, whatever operation is chosen.
When it is urgent
Obesity itself is not an emergency, but its complications can be. Seek urgent local care for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a painful swollen calf, or signs of stroke. After bariatric surgery, persistent vomiting, fever, a fast pulse or severe abdominal pain need same-day assessment.
Travelling to Türkiye for treatment
Bariatric surgery is a planned operation and one of the more common reasons people travel. A visit typically lasts 5 to 8 days and covers the work-up, the operation and early checks. What cannot travel with you is the aftercare: you need a doctor or dietitian at home who will monitor blood tests and supplements for years. Arrange this before you book. Diet programmes and medication are better managed locally.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for weight-loss surgery?
Most surgeons follow international criteria: a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with a condition such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea or hypertension. Some guidelines now accept 30 to 35 with poorly controlled diabetes. A full assessment decides.
Are the new injections a replacement for surgery?
For some people, yes. They produce meaningful loss without an operation. Surgery still gives larger and more durable loss on average, and injections need to be continued long term.
How much weight will I lose after surgery?
On average people lose around 25 to 35 percent of their total body weight within 12 to 18 months, with wide individual variation. Some regain occurs in the following years.
Will I have loose skin?
After large weight loss, often yes. Body contouring is considered once weight has been stable for 6 to 12 months.