CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Obesity
BEING OVERWEIGHT
If you are very overweight, HCA UK's experts can evaluate your health risks and discuss your weight loss options.
About
At HCA UK, our team of experts specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of weight-related conditions, including obesity. This is where more calories (energy) are consumed than are burned off through physical activity. As a result, the excess energy is stored as body fat which can lead to a number of health-related problems.
Need to know
In the UK, one in every four adults and one in every five children aged 10 and 11 is classed as obese.
BMI is a widely used measure of your health in relation to weight. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres, and generally if you have a BMI of between 30 to 39.9 you are classed as obese.
Obesity is linked to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as:
- coronary heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- stroke
- some cancers including bowel cancer and breast cancer
Obesity be caused by: genetics, an unhealthy diet, inactivity and medical conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome and Cushing's syndrome.
Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they may recommend include:
- Measuring your waist circumference: men with a waist circumference of at least 94cm/37in and women with a waist circumference of at least 80cm/31.5in are classed as being obese
- Measuring your blood pressure
- Asking about your lifestyle and previous medical history
- Blood tests to analyse your blood sugar (glucose) and cholesterol levels
Treatment options for your obesity depend on the nature of your condition. Your GP or consultant may recommend:
- Counselling such as cognitive-behaviour-therapy (CBT) to help you better manage your eating and drinking habits
- Weight loss surgery
- A diet and exercise plan with the support of your GP or consultant
- Anti-obesity medication
Our locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Physicians' Clinic
14 Devonshire Street W1G 7AE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.