There are many varied causes of obesity. Your genes, where you live, how you live and how you think about the world all play a part. 1 2 3 4 5

Find out more about understanding obesity.

Obesity Myths
Causes of obesity
The negative
impacts of obesity
FAQs
COVID-19 & Obesity

The research behind the science

1 RACGP. Obesity prevention and management position statement 2019. Available at https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/RACGP/Position%20statements/Obesity-prevention-and-management.pdf, accessed December 2021.

2 RACP Action to prevent obesity and reduce its impact across the life course – Evidence Review. 2018. Available at https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/racp-obesity-position-statement.pdf. Accessed December 2019

3 Caterson I, et al. Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity, Diabetes Obes Metab 2019; 21(8): 1914–24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31032548/

4 National Health and Medical Research Council (2013). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. Available at https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/clinical-practice-guidelines-management-overweight-and-obesity, accessed September 2019.

5 Casazza K, et al. Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity.N Engl J Med 2013; 368:446-454 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1208051