Overweight, Obesity & Long-Term Health
Weight can be a sensitive topic, and everyone’s situation is different.
This page isn’t about blame or perfection. It’s about understanding how weight can affect long-term health, and how small, realistic changes can make a difference over time.
Even modest, gradual changes can support health, such as:
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avoiding further weight gain
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improving diet quality
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increasing movement slightly
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reducing alcohol intake
For many people, maintaining weight and improving habits is a realistic and valuable goal.
Carrying extra weight can affect how the body works over time. Overweight and obesity are linked with a higher risk of several long-term conditions including:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Joint problems
- 13 cancer types, including certain digestive system cancers
This does not mean someone will develop these conditions.It means risk can be higher over time, which is why prevention and awareness matter.
This doesn’t mean someone will develop cancer.It means risk can increase over many years, which is why prevention and early awareness matter.
You’re not failing. Weight can be affected by:
- Stress and mental health
- Menopause and hormones
- Sleep and shift work
- Medication
- Caring responsibilities
- Time
- Money
What you can do next
You may find it helpful to explore:
- Healthy Weight & Long-Term Health
- Food & Fibre
- Movement & Activity
- Alcohol & Health
If you’d like support, your GP practice can help talk through options
Last reviewed: January 2026