Obesity: Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Obesity is one of the most pressing health concerns in New Zealand today, with rates continuing to climb across all age groups. While it’s often talked about in terms of weight, obesity is a complex medical condition that affects nearly every aspect of a person’s health—from cardiovascular risk to mental wellbeing. Understanding what causes obesity, the early symptoms, and its long-term implications can empower you to take control of your health, especially with the support of modern medical solutions.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat that may impair your health. It’s typically measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese. However, BMI is just a starting point—factors like fat distribution, muscle mass, and individual health history are also important to consider.

In New Zealand, the rates are particularly concerning. According to the Ministry of Health, around one in three adults and one in ten children are living with obesity. This growing public health issue increases the risk of chronic diseases and impacts quality of life.

Recognising Obesity Symptoms

Obesity doesn’t just show up as extra weight—it often comes with a cluster of symptoms and health challenges. Some may be obvious, while others develop quietly over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Rapid or unexplained weight gain

• Fatigue and shortness of breath

• Difficulty with physical activity

• Joint pain, particularly in knees and lower back

• Skin changes (e.g. rashes or discolouration in folds, increased sweating)

• Irregular menstrual cycles or fertility issues

• Increased hunger or binge-eating episodes

• Sleep issues, including sleep apnoea

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary widely. Some people may feel perfectly healthy despite a high BMI, while others begin experiencing health consequences early.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity is not simply a matter of willpower or overeating. It is a chronic, relapsing condition influenced by a range of factors:

1. Genetics & Biology

Some people have a genetic predisposition to store more fat or have slower metabolisms. Hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance or hypothyroidism, can also make weight loss harder.

2. Environment & Lifestyle

Modern life makes weight gain easier. High-calorie processed foods, sedentary jobs, reduced physical activity, and stress all contribute to long-term weight issues.

3. Mental Health

Conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma are closely linked with obesity. Emotional eating or poor sleep hygiene can disrupt metabolism and lead to further weight gain.

4. Medications or Medical Conditions

Certain medications and conditions like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to weight gain.

According to the Heart Research Institute, obesity is one of the leading contributors to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. It also increases the likelihood of certain cancers and can reduce life expectancy if unmanaged.

Risk Factors to Watch For

Some people are more at risk of developing obesity due to their genetics, early life experiences, or socioeconomic environment.

Risk factors include:

• Family history of obesity

• Sedentary lifestyle

• High-stress environments or poor sleep patterns

• Low access to healthy food

• Childhood weight issues

• Frequent dieting and weight cycling

Obesity should be addressed with compassion, not blame. Weight is influenced by many factors, and effective support goes beyond simple advice to “eat less and move more.”

Why Obesity Requires Medical Support

If you've struggled with weight for years, you're not alone—and it’s not a personal failure. Obesity is a medical condition that requires real, structured support. Research shows that DIY weight loss methods often result in short-term gains followed by relapse. Today, there are safe, effective, medically-backed solutions that go beyond fad diets or short-term fixes.

One of the most promising tools for weight loss in New Zealand is the use of GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide). These work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. When prescribed under the supervision of a registered doctor, these medications can help people lose and maintain significant weight.

Support Through Pocket Lab’s Weight Loss Program

If you're ready to take control of your weight, the first step doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Pocket Lab offers a Weight Loss Care Plan designed specifically for New Zealanders. It includes:

• An online eligibility quiz

• Unlimited access to GP weight loss consultations from the comfort of home

• Ongoing monitoring and support

• Prescription access to medications like Wegovy (if clinically appropriate)

• Regular follow-ups to keep you accountable

  
  

This programme isn’t about shaming or crash dieting—it’s about science-backed, sustainable support that fits into your life.

Explore the Pocket Lab Weight Loss Care Plan to see if you’re eligible today.

How Weight Loss Medications Like Wegovy Can Help

In recent years, there’s been a shift in how obesity is treated—with medical professionals now acknowledging that long-term weight loss often requires more than just diet and exercise. This is where GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) come in.

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication that mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps regulate appetite, improve satiety (the feeling of fullness), and stabilise blood sugar levels. By acting on the brain’s appetite centres, Wegovy helps reduce food cravings and the tendency to overeat—making it easier to stick to a healthier lifestyle.

Clinical benefits of Wegovy:

• Supports significant weight loss: Many users experience 10–15% or more body weight loss over several months with consistent use.

• Reduces appetite and calorie intake without extreme dieting.

• Improves markers for heart health, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

• Helps break the cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight regain.

Wegovy is not a quick fix—but when used as part of a structured medical programme, it offers a powerful tool for people who have struggled with weight for years despite making healthy choices.

Not everyone is eligible, so it’s important to go through a proper consultation to determine if this is the right approach for you. That’s where Pocket Lab’s online GP consultations and eligibility quiz come in.

Ready to see if Wegovy might be an option for you? Take a free Wegovy eligibility quiz.

Final Thoughts

Obesity in NZ is a growing concern, but there is hope—and help. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors, you’re already one step closer to making a change.

With clinical tools like GLP-1 medications and virtual care through Pocket Lab, you're not alone in the journey. You can take action—safely, confidently, and with the right support behind you.