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If you're obese, the extra fat on your body won't go away by itself. Losing weight and keeping the weight off can be difficult. But it will probably be easier if you get help from your doctor and follow a weight loss program.

If you follow a weight loss program, you'll:

• Eat fewer calories
• Do more physical activity
• Get help from a professional.

Medications and surgery can help some people, too.

Start by making an appointment with your family doctor. Your doctor may suggest you see a specialist.

Here's what we know happens to most people who follow a weight loss program.¹

• Most people lose around 5 percent to 10 percent of their weight within six months if they follow a weight loss program that includes a diet and exercise.
• After six months, you won't lose weight as quickly and you may stop losing weight.
• Keeping the weight off can be a struggle. Most people put back on at least some of the pounds they lose.
• You are most likely to keep the weight off (or at least not put much back on) if you stay in a weight loss program, with regular support from a health professional.

If you stay obese, you have a high chance of getting one or more of these serious health problems:²

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease or stroke
• Diabetes
• Osteoarthritis
• Gallstones
• Sleep apnea
• Cancer
• Problems with your periods.

Your risk of getting one or more of these conditions begins to rise when you become overweight. The risk gradually increases as you become heavier. Your health will be affected more if you also have other risk factors for health problems such as smoking or a family history of heart disease.³

Obesity can shorten your life. For example, men in their 20s who are obese can expect to live about 13 years less than men who aren't obese.⁴ Each year, about 300,000 people die from conditions related to obesity.⁵

The more overweight you are and the more risk factors you have, the more important it is to lose weight. The good news is that losing as little as 5 percent of your weight can cut your risk of getting these conditions.²

Being obese can also affect the quality of your life and how you feel about yourself.^{6 7}

See How obesity affects your life.

You may need to go to the hospital more often and need to take more medications than people who are not obese.⁸

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.