A disease, not a lack of willpower
Obesity is a chronic disease. It results from many factors – biological, psychological and lifestyle-related – over which not everyone has the same control. Understanding it helps you choose a treatment and let go of guilt.
In Switzerland, around 43% of adults are overweight or living with obesity, including 12% with a BMI of 30 or more (source and explanation: Obesity, a chronic disease).
This section offers guidance to help you see where you stand and when to seek medical advice.
In this section
- Obesity, a chronic disease and a global epidemicA global epidemic according to the WHO and a chronic disease with many causes: why lost weight tends to come back, possible health consequences and what this means for you.
- Causes of obesityObesity is a chronic disease with many causes: biology, heredity, environment and living conditions. It is not simply a matter of willpower.
- Understanding your BMI and looking beyond the numberCalculating your BMI, understanding what it does not measure, body composition and the framework proposed in 2025 to describe obesity.
- What care is available when BMI is over 50?Team assessment, preparation, surgical options, two-stage procedures and combination with medication: care when BMI is over 50.
- Health consequences of obesityMetabolic health, sleep, mobility, well-being: possible effects of obesity, which vary from one person to another, and an assessment in Nyon.
- Weight stigma and discriminationRemarks, prejudice, symptoms blamed on weight: understanding weight stigma, including in healthcare, and how to say when you feel uncomfortable.
- Obesity: when to see a specialistYou can come as soon as your weight worries you: practical situations, the role of your GP and what an obesity centre offers.
- Weight and menopause: understanding the changes and taking actionWeight gain and abdominal fat at menopause: what changes, what to check and possible solutions.