Worried about your symptoms?
Start the Obesity test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Liver failure
Gained weight
Consuming excessive calories
My liver is losing its function
Fat
Abnormal liver function on the latest blood test
Plus-sized
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
Obesity (overweight) results from a combination of factors such as overeating, insufficient exercise, and genetic factors.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
The goal of treatment is to reach and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet changes and increased exercise. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend medication or surgery to assist with weight loss.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 19, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
We would love to help them too.
With a free 3-min Obesity quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms

Our AI

Your report

Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
See full list
Q.
Always Hungry? Prader-Willi Syndrome & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Constant, unrelenting hunger can signal Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder on chromosome 15 that disrupts hypothalamic hunger and fullness signals, often starting in childhood; diagnosis is confirmed with genetic testing, and early, structured medical care improves outcomes. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more, including medically approved next steps like growth hormone therapy, strict nutrition with supervised access to food, behavioral and hormone support, tailored physical activity, and when to seek medical or urgent care for rapid weight gain, sleep problems, or signs of diabetes.
References:
* Diener, P., Kistler, A., & Goldner, K. (2022). Pharmacological Treatments for Hyperphagia in Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Systematic Review. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, *11*(15), 4443.
* Dussault, C., & McCormack, S. E. (2021). Current Guidelines for the Management of Prader-Willi Syndrome. *Pediatric Clinics of North America*, *68*(5), 999-1011.
* Marcello, A., Amodio, A., & Cella, L. (2022). Emerging Therapies in Prader-Willi Syndrome. *Brain Sciences*, *12*(2), 273.
* Butler, M. G., Kimonis, V., Dykens, E., Gold, J. A., Miller, J. L., Roof, E., & Driscoll, D. J. (2020). A New Therapeutic Paradigm for Prader-Willi Syndrome: Setmelanotide. *Genes*, *11*(11), 1269.
* Cassidy, S. B., Dykens, E., & McCandless, S. E. (2019). Prader-Willi syndrome: a practical review of its genetics, diagnosis, comorbidities, and management. *Translational Pediatrics*, *8*(1), 104-116.
Q.
Hanging Belly Skin? Why Your Midsection Won’t Tone & Tummy Tuck Medical Steps
A.
A lower belly that hangs or will not tone is often due to loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy, diastasis recti, aging and hormonal shifts, genetics with stubborn fat pockets, or untreated obesity, and workouts cannot tighten excess skin. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand the causes and how they affect your options. A tummy tuck is a body contouring surgery that can remove extra skin, repair separated muscles, and improve shape but it is not a weight loss procedure, and the details below cover candidacy, the surgical steps, types of procedures, recovery, risks, and medical prep that could change your next steps.
References:
* Stevens WG, et al. Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Complications. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Aug;140(2):285-296. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003507. PMID: 28742795.
* Van Henten R, et al. Abdominal wall laxity: an overview of anatomy, causes, and treatment. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2018 Sep;34(7):494-499. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1639598. Epub 2018 Apr 11. PMID: 29642398.
* Aly AS, et al. Abdominoplasty: Current Surgical Techniques. Clin Plast Surg. 2017 Jul;44(3):477-487. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2017.02.001. Epub 2017 Apr 10. PMID: 28577626.
* Beer GM, et al. Abdominoplasty with Rectus Diastasis Repair: A 10-Year Experience with a Focus on Outcomes. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016 Feb;40(1):14-20. doi: 10.1007/s00266-015-0588-0. Epub 2015 Nov 12. PMID: 26563604.
* Swanson E, et al. Abdominoplasty in the Massive Weight Loss Patient: An Outcomes Analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2017 Sep 28;5(9):e1509. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001509. PMID: 29082005; PMCID: PMC5630325.
Q.
Is Hanging Skin Causing Pain? Why a Panniculectomy is Vital + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Yes, hanging abdominal skin can absolutely cause pain through posture strain, recurrent skin rashes and infections, and mobility or hygiene problems, and for some people a panniculectomy is medically necessary to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. There are several factors to consider. Medically approved next steps include documenting symptoms, trying conservative care, and consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess candidacy, insurance criteria, and risks, with urgent care needed for fever, rapidly spreading redness, chest pain, or shortness of breath; see full details below.
References:
* Al-Qattan MM, Zafarullah RM, El-Feky M, Al-Mutairi K. Impact of panniculectomy on quality of life and functional status in patients with massive weight loss. *Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open*. 2017 Apr 14;5(4):e1337. PMID: 28416035.
* Modarressi A, Bretin C, de Buys Roessingh A, Vlastos G, Pittet B. Medical and psychological impact of excess skin after massive weight loss. *Plast Reconstr Surg*. 2014 Apr;133(4):815-22. PMID: 24707833.
* Schiavon F, Dalla Venezia E, Mañero M, Paccagnella D, Politi A. Indications and outcomes of panniculectomy. *Ann Plast Surg*. 2014 Jun;72(6):629-33. PMID: 24755674.
* Montes J, Spivack B, Gusev V, Matesic D, Del Toro J, Khan U. Improvement of Medical Complications after Body Contouring Surgery in Massive Weight Loss Patients. *Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open*. 2016 Nov 16;4(11):e1150. PMID: 27909068.
* Van Der Beek N, Aydin M, Hesselink MK, van der Lei B, Sijbrandij T, Boer T. Impact of Post-Bariatric Surgery Body Contouring on Functional Impairment and Quality of Life. *Obes Surg*. 2018 Sep;28(9):2775-2781. PMID: 29807577.
Q.
Struggling with Obesity? Why Your Body Fights & Medical Next Steps
A.
Obesity is a chronic medical condition where the body resists weight loss through metabolic slowdown, shifts in hunger and fullness hormones, brain set-point defenses, and genetic factors. Next steps often include a medical evaluation, sustainable nutrition and physical activity, and when appropriate FDA-approved medications (typically BMI 30+ or 27+ with related conditions) or bariatric surgery (often BMI 40+ or 35+ with complications); there are several factors to consider, including red-flag symptoms and emotional support, so see the complete details below.
References:
* MacLean PS, Higgins JA, Jackman MR, Jackman MR. The biological basis of weight regain: a review of the mechanisms and a proposed framework. Obes Rev. 2018 Nov;19(11):1481-1498. doi: 10.1111/obr.12743. Epub 2018 Aug 1. PMID: 30066914.
* Kushner RF, Blatner IR. The medical management of obesity: an update on pharmacotherapy and treatment algorithms. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2021 Mar;23 Suppl 1:3-14. doi: 10.1111/dom.14256. PMID: 33501655.
* Blüher M. Obesity: global epidemiology and pathogenesis. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2019 Oct;15(10):576-589. doi: 10.1038/s41574-019-0232-9. PMID: 31346296.
* Sumithran P, Proietto J. The defence of body weight: a physiological basis for weight regain after weight loss. Clin Sci (Lond). 2013 Feb;124(4):231-41. doi: 10.1042/CS20120281. PMID: 23240866.
* Mechanick JI, Apovian C, Brethauer J, Garvey WT, Joffe D, Kim J, Kushner RF, Lindor KD, McMahon MM, Murad MH, Still CD. Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of patients undergoing bariatric procedures—2019 update: cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Endocr Pract. 2017 May;23(8):868-931. doi: 10.4158/EP171804.GL. Epub 2017 May 30. PMID: 28552173.
Q.
Weight Won’t Budge? Bariatric Surgery Science and Your Medical Next Steps
A.
If diet, exercise, and medications have not worked, bariatric surgery is a science-backed metabolic treatment that changes gut hormones and energy balance, often improving diabetes and heart risks; there are several factors to consider, and the complete details are below. Typical candidacy is BMI 40 or BMI 35 with related conditions, options like sleeve or bypass can lead to about 50 to 70 percent excess weight loss but require lifelong vitamins and follow-up, and alternatives like GLP-1 medications or multidisciplinary programs may fit some people; for next steps, talk with your primary care doctor about medications and a referral to a bariatric team, then review the risks, benefits, and urgent warning signs below.
References:
* Fagundes FS, de Quadros APP, da Silva JBS. Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 27;24(17):13327. doi: 10.3390/ijms241713327. PMID: 37686529; PMCID: PMC10487955.
* Allemann P, Al-Shaar L, Annamalai A, Apovian CM, Arterburn DE, Buse JB, Caplan J, Cefalu WT, Craig L, El-Azab S, Fruh S, Gastaldelli A, Gribshik J, Hazen N, Hivert MF, Jhaveri K, Khera A, Kothari S, Kushner RF, Magun R, Mechanick JI, Milanaik R, Mitka M, Nadolsky K, Ng DK, Patel T, Pi-Sunyer X, Rubino F, Schauer PR, Shah M, Skuby MM, Tsang SW, Wadden TA, Young P, Ziyadeh FN. Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022 Jul 12;146(2):e14-e33. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001083. Epub 2022 Jun 21. PMID: 35730303.
* Ryan PM, Pories WJ, Buse JB. Mechanisms of weight loss and metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery. Obes Rev. 2022 Jan;23(1):e13361. doi: 10.1111/obr.13361. Epub 2021 Sep 22. PMID: 34553422; PMCID: PMC8672008.
* Fried M, Mahawar V, Rubino F, Angrisani L, Cohen RV, Prager G, Shikora S, Sorbara EE, Weiner R, Scopinaro N, Himpens J, Schauer PR, Shikora S, Weiner R, Scopinaro N, Himpens J, Buchwald H, Dixon JB, Pories WJ, Biron S, Deitel M, Fabbrini R, Fobi MAL, Gagner M, Higa K, O'Brien PE, Ren CJ, Schauer PR, Segato G, Sjöström L, Sorbara E, Stern E, Tang B, Tichansky D, Van de Perre S. ASMBS and IFSO: Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg. 2022 Apr;32(4):1047-1052. doi: 10.1007/s00733-022-05459-w. PMID: 35226279.
* Chen J, Pan Z, Cheng X, Wang P, Chen G, Li S. Long-term efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Surg. 2023 Jul;33(7):2138-2150. doi: 10.1007/s00733-023-05423-2. Epub 2023 May 17. PMID: 37198275.
Q.
Searching McDonald's Near Me? Why Your Brain Is Driving Cravings + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
That fast food urge is largely brain driven, powered by dopamine reward pathways, stress hormones, poor sleep, and habit cues, so the pull is biology more than willpower. There are several factors to consider; see below for how these triggers work and what they mean for long term health. Medically approved next steps include a 60 second pause before ordering, portion and drink swaps, adding protein and fiber earlier in the day, improving sleep and stress care, and getting medical support if weight or symptoms point to a deeper issue. Full guidance, red flag signs, and a free obesity symptom check link are provided below to help you choose the right next move.
References:
* Schienle, A., & Schöngassner, F. (2018). Neural Mechanisms of Food Caving: A Systematic Review. *Nutrients*, *10*(11), 1601.
* Fazzino, T. L., & Hayes, J. F. (2019). Ultra-processed foods and food addiction. *Current Addiction Reports*, *6*(2), 164–171.
* Ryan, D. H., & Ravussin, E. (2019). The Neurobiology of Obesity. *The Medical Clinics of North America*, *103*(1), 1–13.
* Mayr, A., Gerkens, T., & Klöckner, C. A. (2020). Mindfulness-based interventions for food cravings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity*, *25*(1), 1–14.
* Gearhardt, A. N., White, M. A., & Pearson, C. M. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for food addiction: A narrative review. *Current Addiction Reports*, *5*(2), 177–183.
Q.
Tired of Stubborn Fat? Why Your Body is Resisting and Medical Liposuction Next Steps
A.
Stubborn fat often persists due to genetics, hormone shifts such as insulin or cortisol effects, aging related metabolic slowdown, and how past weight gain leaves long lasting fat cells, even when you are doing everything right. There are several factors to consider, and the complete explanation below can help you decide whether to check for metabolic or hormonal issues first. Liposuction can contour specific, diet resistant areas when you are near your goal weight and healthy, but it is not a weight loss treatment and it carries surgical risks and recovery steps. See below for candidacy criteria, technique choices, realistic timelines, safety questions to ask a board certified surgeon, and when medical weight management may be the better next step.
References:
* Karpe F, Frayn KN. Regional Adipose Tissue Metabolism: Differences, Regulation, and Susceptibility to Dysfunction. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2017 Aug 14;10:311-322. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S120221. PMID: 28848325; PMCID: PMC5560416.
* Arner P, Bernard S. Mechanisms of regional fat deposition and body fat distribution. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Sep;13(5):548-52. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32833d7d42. PMID: 20647963.
* Talathi NP, Agrawal S, Parajuli B, Bhattacharya S. Safety and efficacy of liposuction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Jan 1;147(1):66-74. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000007505. PMID: 33177309.
* Rohrich RJ, Smith PD, Adams WP Jr. Liposuction in the 21st Century: A Review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Oct;140(4):790-801. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003714. PMID: 28957805.
* Herbst KL, Kahn LA, Salti H, Casanova V, Wright TF. Lipedema: A genetic disease and adipose tissue disorder. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2021 Mar;187(1):173-183. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31881. Epub 2020 Nov 23. PMID: 33226162.
Q.
Always Heavy? Why Your Body is Stalled & Your Mediterranean Diet Action Plan
A.
There are several factors to consider. Feeling stuck at a heavier weight often comes from metabolic adaptation, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, hormones, and hidden calorie surplus, and a well-structured Mediterranean diet can help when paired with portion awareness, adequate protein, daily movement with strength training, quality sleep, and stress control. See below for your actionable plate formula, protein targets, what to limit, realistic timelines, and red flags that warrant doctor input or an obesity symptom check, since these details can change your best next steps.
References:
* Hall KD, et al. The problem of metabolic adaptation to weight loss. Obes Rev. 2017 Aug;18 Suppl 2:10-24. DOI: 10.1111/obr.12569.
* Schwingshackl L, et al. Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Weight Loss: An Evidence Map of a Systematic Review of Reviews. Adv Nutr. 2021 May 29;12(3):911-923. DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa144.
* Giosuè E, et al. Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 21;13(4):1391. DOI: 10.3390/nu13041391.
* Esposito K, et al. Mediterranean diet and the metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr. 2019 Feb 1;149(2):229-237. DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy243.
* MacLean PS, et al. Metabolic slowing with diet-induced weight loss: current evidence and future directions. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 Jan;27(1):15-22. DOI: 10.1002/oby.22359.
Q.
BBL "Melting"? Why Results Shift & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: what looks like BBL “melting” is usually normal fat reabsorption, weight changes, aging-related skin laxity, hormone shifts, or muscle loss, with less common causes like fat necrosis or surgical issues; see below for what is expected versus concerning. Medically approved next steps include stabilizing weight, strengthening glutes, supporting skin health, considering selective non surgical treatments, and, when appropriate, pursuing revision with a board certified surgeon, with urgent care needed for severe pain, fever, breathing trouble, or sudden swelling; full guidance on timing and choices is detailed below.
References:
* Cui D, Luo G, Gu B, Chen Z, Zhang X. Long-Term Results of Gluteal Augmentation With Autologous Fat Grafting: A Retrospective Analysis of 400 Cases. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018 Dec;42(6):1540-1547. doi: 10.1007/s00266-018-1249-1. Epub 2018 Oct 31. PMID: 30382229.
* Khouri AN, Khouri RK Jr, Khouri RK. Quantifying Fat Graft Survival in Gluteal Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Jun 1;147(6):1347-1358. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000007874. PMID: 33857091.
* Singh SA, Lee ES, Patel A, Vardanian AJ. Complications of Gluteal Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Mar 1;147(3):616-625. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000007671. PMID: 33620719.
* Cansancao AL, Fialho R, Costa LF, D'Souza N, Daher JC, Khouri RK, Cansancao AL Jr. Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life after Gluteal Fat Grafting: A Prospective Study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 Jul;146(1):153-162. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006900. PMID: 32584860.
* Saadeh A, Zins J. Factors Influencing Fat Graft Survival in Gluteal Augmentation: A Critical Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Jul 1;148(1):151e-159e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008064. PMID: 34160417.
Q.
Tired of the Scale? Why Your BMI Is "Lying" to Your Metabolism and How to Fix It
A.
BMI is a quick screening tool, not a full picture of your metabolism, and it can mislead by missing body composition, fat distribution, and metabolic markers, so waist circumference, targeted blood tests, body composition scans, and fitness measures offer a more accurate view. There are several factors to consider; see below for step by step ways to improve metabolic health with strength training, higher quality nutrition, sleep and stress care, plus when a high BMI still signals risk and when to use a symptom check or see a clinician, which could change your next steps.
References:
* Gómez-Ambrosi J, Silva C, Galofré JC, Escalada J, Santos S, Millán D, Muñoz-Navas MA, Pastor E, Rodríguez A, Salvador J, Frühbeck G. Body mass index classification misses an important percentage of obese subjects with altered body composition, metabolic alterations and high cardiovascular risk. Int J Obes (Lond). 2012 Nov;36(11):1413-21. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2012.2. Epub 2012 Jan 31. PMID: 22290828.
* Wildman RP, Muntner P, Woodward K, Keenan NL, Wosje KS, Safford MM. Metabolically healthy but obese: the obesity paradox revisited. Prev Med. 2008 Feb;46(2):167-73. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.10.009. Epub 2007 Oct 20. PMID: 18036737.
* Müller MJ, Bosy-Westphal A. Metabolic health and BMI: a critical appraisal. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Nov;68(11):1199-204. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.212. Epub 2014 Oct 8. PMID: 25293630.
* Sniderman AD, Remedios C, Glavinovic T. The relationship of body mass index to the metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Curr Probl Cardiol. 2016 May;41(5):184-219. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2016.02.002. Epub 2016 Mar 1. PMID: 27013149.
* Ross R, Bradshaw AJ, Liu H, Katagiri E, Mian ZM. Body composition and body mass index as determinants of metabolic risk factors in men. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 May;19(5):984-90. doi: 10.1038/oby.2010.278. Epub 2010 Nov 4. PMID: 21052136.
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.

“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024

“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023

“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)

Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Powell-Wiley TM, Poirier P, Burke LE, Després JP, Gordon-Larsen P, Lavie CJ, Lear SA, Ndumele CE, Neeland IJ, Sanders P, St-Onge MP (2021). Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33882682/Wang Y, Beydoun MA (2007). The obesity epidemic in the United States--gender, age, socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, and geographic characteristics: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Epidemiologic reviews.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17510091/Apovian CM (2016). Obesity: definition, comorbidities, causes, and burden. The American journal of managed care.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27356115/