Overweight: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment

Overweight and obesity have become global epidemics, impacting billions of people and profoundly affecting public health and quality of life. While often discussed together, being overweight specifically refers to having excess body weight relative to height—usually measured via body mass index (BMI)—but not necessarily reaching the threshold for obesity. Understanding the symptoms, types, causes, and treatments of overweight is crucial for prevention, early intervention, and effective management. This article provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview to help individuals, families, and health professionals navigate this complex condition.

Symptoms of Overweight

Recognizing the symptoms of being overweight is the first step toward early intervention. While some symptoms may be subtle, others can significantly impact daily life, both physically and psychologically.

Symptom	Description	Impact/Consequence	Source(s)
Tiredness	Persistent fatigue or low energy	Reduced productivity, daily function	1 12
Breathlessness	Shortness of breath, especially with effort	Limits physical activity	1
Back Pain	Chronic or episodic pain in the back	Discomfort, limited mobility	1
Joint Pain	Especially in knees/hips (arthritis)	Mobility issues, pain	1 5
Poor Sleep	Insomnia or sleep apnea	Daytime fatigue, health risks	1 6 5
Depression/Anxiety	Low mood, anxiety, emotional problems	Lower quality of life	2 3 7
Excess Sweating	Profuse sweating even with mild exertion	Social discomfort	1
Menstrual Issues	Irregular periods in women	Reproductive health concerns	1

Table 1: Key Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Overweight individuals may notice persistent tiredness, even after rest. This often results from the increased effort required for everyday activities and the body's altered metabolism. Breathlessness, especially during mild physical activity, is common and can discourage further exercise, creating a cycle that worsens weight gain.

Back pain and joint pain—particularly in the knees and hips—are frequent, as extra weight places additional stress on the musculoskeletal system. Over time, this can lead to osteoarthritis and other mobility issues.

Excess sweating and poor sleep quality, including conditions like sleep apnea, are also associated with overweight. Sleep disturbances not only affect energy levels but can exacerbate other health conditions 1 6 5 12.

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms

Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of depression and anxiety, especially among children and adolescents. These psychological symptoms can stem from social stigma, reduced self-esteem, and biological changes associated with excess body fat 2 3 7. Overweight youth report higher levels of internalizing problems (such as anxious/depressed mood) and lower quality of life compared to their peers 3.

Gender- and Age-Specific Symptoms

Women may experience menstrual irregularities and other reproductive health concerns. Many symptoms become more pronounced after the age of 40, as the cumulative effects of excess weight compound 1.

Types of Overweight

Overweight is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several types and classifications, each with distinct health implications.

Type/Category	Description	Key Risks/Features	Source(s)
General Overweight	BMI > 25 but < 30 kg/m²	Increased risk for comorbidities	1 5 12
Central/Abdominal	Excess fat around the waist	Higher risk for metabolic syndrome	1 5
Normal-Weight Obesity	High body fat but normal BMI (18.5–24.9)	Cardiometabolic risks	4
Childhood/Adolescent	Overweight in children/teens	Early onset adult diseases	6 7

Table 2: Types of Overweight

General Overweight (BMI-based)

The most common method for classifying overweight is the body mass index (BMI). An individual with a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m² is considered overweight. While BMI is a useful screening tool, it does not account for muscle mass or fat distribution 1 5 12.

Central (Abdominal) Overweight

Waist circumference is increasingly recognized as a more accurate predictor of health risks than BMI alone. Central or abdominal overweight—measured by waist circumference greater than 80 cm in women or 94 cm in men—indicates excess visceral fat, which is closely linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease 1 5.

Normal-Weight Obesity

Some individuals may have a normal BMI yet possess a high percentage of body fat, a condition termed “normal-weight obesity.” These individuals are still at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and other metabolic complications, making body composition measurements important even for those not classified as overweight by BMI standards 4.

Childhood and Adolescent Overweight

Overweight in children and adolescents is an escalating concern, as it often leads to adult obesity and early onset of diseases traditionally seen in older adults, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension 6 7. The patterns and impacts can differ from those seen in adults, with a greater psychological burden and effects on development and academic performance.

Causes of Overweight

The causes of overweight are multifactorial, involving the interplay of genetics, environment, lifestyle, and even societal trends.

Cause Type	Example Factors	Impact/Mechanism	Source(s)
Lifestyle	High-calorie diet, sedentary behavior	Energy imbalance, weight gain	5 7 12
Genetics	Family history	Predisposes to weight gain	5 12 8
Environment	Food environment, urbanization	Easy access to unhealthy foods, less activity	5 7 8
Psychological	Stress, depression	Emotional eating, metabolic changes	2 3 8
Socioeconomic	Income, education, culture	Influences diet and activity patterns	8 12
Medical	Hormonal disorders, medications	Alters metabolism or appetite	6 12

Table 3: Major Causes of Overweight

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors

The most prominent driver of overweight is a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Diets high in fats, sugars, and energy-dense foods—often coupled with larger portion sizes and frequent consumption of sugary beverages—are key contributors. Sedentary lifestyles, marked by low physical activity and increased screen time, further exacerbate the problem 5 7 12.

Genetic and Biological Factors

While lifestyle plays a major role, genetics cannot be ignored. A family history of overweight or obesity increases risk, though specific “obesity genes” are rare. The genetic contribution often interacts with environmental factors—meaning that those with a genetic predisposition are more affected by modern, obesogenic environments 5 12 8.

Environmental and Societal Influences

Urbanization, industrialization, and the global shift away from traditional diets have created environments where unhealthy foods are cheap and accessible, and opportunities for physical activity are limited. Neighborhood design, advertising, and socioeconomic status all play roles in shaping individual choices 5 7 8 12.

Psychological and Emotional Contributors

Emotional stress, depression, and anxiety can trigger overeating or unhealthy eating patterns, leading to weight gain. Chronic stress and sleep disturbances can further disrupt hormones that control appetite and metabolism, making weight management more difficult 2 3 8.

Medical and Secondary Causes

Although less common, certain medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome) and medications (like some antidepressants or steroids) can lead to weight gain by altering metabolism or increasing appetite 6 12.

Treatment of Overweight

Managing overweight requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to the individual’s needs, circumstances, and preferences.

Approach	Description	Key Points/Outcomes	Source(s)
Lifestyle Change	Diet, exercise, behavioral therapy	Cornerstone of treatment, most effective long-term	5 12 13 14 10
Pharmacotherapy	Weight-loss medications	For selected cases, moderate effect	13 14
Surgery	Bariatric procedures	Reserved for severe obesity	5 6 13
Psychological	Counseling, cognitive training	Supports behavior change, addresses emotional factors	2 3 11
Community/Public	Environmental, policy interventions	Promotes supportive environments	14 8

Table 4: Overview of Treatment Strategies

Lifestyle Changes: Diet, Exercise & Behavior

The foundation of overweight treatment is lifestyle modification: adopting healthier eating patterns, increasing physical activity, and changing behaviors that promote weight gain. Evidence shows that multidisciplinary interventions combining diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy are the most effective, especially when tailored to the individual and supported by ongoing guidance 5 12 13 14 10.

• Diet: Reducing overall caloric intake, particularly from fats and sugars, while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise (aiming for at least 150 minutes per week), including both aerobic and resistance training.
• Behavioral Therapy: Techniques such as self-monitoring, goal setting, and problem-solving to support lasting change.

Family-based and community approaches are especially important for children and adolescents, involving parents and schools in creating supportive environments 6 10.

Pharmacological Treatments

Weight-loss medications may be considered for adults with significant overweight and related health risks when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient. Common options include orlistat and, in some cases, metformin. These medications can result in modest additional weight loss but require careful monitoring for side effects 13 14.

Surgical Options

Bariatric surgery is typically reserved for individuals with severe obesity or those with significant comorbidities who have not responded to other treatments. Surgical interventions can achieve substantial and sustained weight loss, along with improvements in obesity-related conditions. However, surgery carries risks and requires lifelong lifestyle changes and medical follow-up 5 6 13.

Psychological and Cognitive Interventions

Given the strong link between overweight and mental health, psychological support is crucial. Counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and structured psychological interventions can help address emotional eating, depression, and anxiety, improving both weight outcomes and quality of life 2 3 11.

Emerging research suggests that cognitive training interventions—designed to enhance self-control and reduce automatic food-related responses—may also help, though more evidence is needed for their effectiveness in real-world settings 11.

Community and Policy Approaches

Addressing overweight at the population level requires broader interventions: creating environments that make healthy choices easier, such as improving access to nutritious foods, providing safe spaces for physical activity, and enacting policies that reduce marketing of unhealthy foods to children. Registered dietitians and other professionals play a key role in advocating for and implementing these changes 14 8.

Conclusion

Overweight is a complex, multifactorial condition with significant health, emotional, and societal implications. Early recognition of symptoms, understanding the various types, and identifying the root causes are essential for effective prevention and treatment. While lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of management, a comprehensive approach—including medical, psychological, and public health strategies—is necessary to address the global challenge of overweight.

Key Points:

• Overweight is defined by excess body weight for height, with symptoms affecting both physical and psychological health.
• Types include general overweight, central/abdominal overweight, normal-weight obesity, and childhood/adolescent overweight.
• Causes are multifactorial: lifestyle, genetics, environment, psychological, socioeconomic, and medical factors all play roles.
• Treatment relies primarily on lifestyle changes, with additional support from medications, surgery, psychological interventions, and community-level initiatives.
• Early intervention and a holistic, individualized approach are critical for success in both prevention and management.

By understanding and addressing overweight from multiple angles, individuals and communities can work toward improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life.