Overview of Obesity Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person’s health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects. Metabolic Syndrome Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. This may be a beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome: Lowering Your Heart Disease Risk Control your blood pressure, keep your cholesterol in check, and take your medicine as prescribed. Understanding Compulsive Overeating The disorder may develop when others make repeated negative comments about a person's weight. Medical Treatment for Obesity Medical treatment can help with weight loss if your own efforts are unsuccessful—or if you have a medical condition that makes it crucial to lose weight. Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective. Maintaining Weight Loss Keeping extra weight off requires effort and commitment, just as losing weight does. Preventing Obesity Given the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the fact that obesity is difficult to treat, prevention is extremely important. Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery Gastric stapling surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that limits the amount of food a person can eat. Obesity Treatment Overview Whatever treatment plan a person follows, losing weight slowly will be more effective and healthy over the long term.