Question 1

What is overweight?

Accepted Answer

Overweight means an increased amount of body fat and is defined as a BMI of 25–29.9. It raises the risk of metabolic diseases but is not always linked to poor health.

Question 2

What is obesity and what are the cut-offs?

Accepted Answer

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive body fat. Cut-offs: BMI ≥30 (Class I: 30–34.9, Class II: 35–39.9, Class III: ≥40).

Question 3

Is obesity a disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WHO and national health authorities classify obesity as a chronic disease with biological, hormonal and genetic causes.

Question 4

How is obesity treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment combines lifestyle changes, behavioural support, medication and sometimes surgery. The goal is sustainable weight loss and reduced disease risk.

Question 5

Why aren’t diet and exercise enough for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Hunger hormones, genetics, the brain’s reward system and the body’s “starvation response” make many regain weight despite lifestyle changes.

Question 6

Can you have obesity even if you “eat normally”?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many people have biological factors that make the body store more fat despite normal eating. Hormones, genetics, stress and sleep influence how the body regulates hunger and metabolism, which means some gain weight even without overeating.

Question 7

Why am I gaining weight even though I exercise?

Accepted Answer

Exercise can increase appetite and lead to unconscious overeating. In addition, stress, poor sleep and certain medications can alter hormones that make weight loss harder despite physical activity.

Question 8

Is it harder to lose weight after age 40–60?

Accepted Answer

Yes, metabolism naturally slows with age and muscle mass decreases, which lowers daily energy expenditure. Hormonal changes and poorer sleep also contribute to weight gain and slower weight loss.

Question 9

How does sleep affect weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Lack of sleep increases the hunger hormone ghrelin and decreases the satiety hormone leptin, making cravings stronger. This disrupts blood sugar regulation and increases the risk of overeating and weight gain.

Question 10

Can stress cause weight gain even if you eat well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, high cortisol levels increase appetite, fat storage and cravings for energy-dense foods. Stress also affects sleep and insulin resistance, making weight gain more likely.

Question 11

Is insulin resistance the same as obesity?

Accepted Answer

No, but they are closely linked. Insulin resistance makes the body store more fat and use energy less efficiently, which makes weight loss more challenging.

Question 12

Can certain medications make weight loss harder?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several common medications affect appetite, metabolism or fluid retention. Examples include antidepressants, corticosteroids, antipsychotics and insulin, all of which can contribute to weight gain.

Question 13

Is it dangerous to be “normal weight but metabolically unhealthy”?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have a normal BMI but high visceral fat, insulin resistance or abnormal blood lipids. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes despite a normal weight.

Question 14

What should you eat when living with obesity?

Accepted Answer

A protein-rich, fibre-rich and energy-reduced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, legumes and limited ultra-processed foods.

Question 15

Why are protein and fibre important in obesity?

Accepted Answer

Protein increases satiety and preserves muscle mass; fibre stabilises blood sugar, reduces hunger and supports gut health.

Question 16

Is diet alone enough for weight loss?

Accepted Answer

For some, yes. But many need a combination of diet, behavioural support, physical activity and sometimes medication for lasting results.

Question 17

How does the gut microbiome affect weight?

Accepted Answer

The microbiome influences hunger, inflammation and how efficiently the body uses energy. A fibre-rich diet improves balance and may support weight loss.

Question 18

Is ultra-processed food worse for weight than calories alone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it affects hunger hormones, blood sugar and the brain’s reward system more strongly than whole foods. This makes overeating easier even at the same calorie intake.

Question 19

Why is exercise important in overweight?

Accepted Answer

Exercise improves insulin resistance, blood pressure, mood and reduces the risk of weight regain even if weight loss itself is modest.

Question 20

What type of exercise is suitable for weight loss?

Accepted Answer

A combination of strength training (preserves muscle mass) and aerobic exercise (increases energy expenditure). Low-impact options suit joint pain.

Question 21

How much physical activity is needed each week?

Accepted Answer

At least 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week + 2 strength sessions, according to WHO. More may be needed for weight maintenance.

Question 22

Can you lose weight without losing muscle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with adequate protein, strength training and gradual weight loss. GLP-1 treatment often reduces muscle loss compared to traditional dieting

Question 23

When can GLP-1 medications be used?

Accepted Answer

For BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea), after medical assessment.

Question 24

What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Accepted Answer

Ozempic (semaglutide) is for diabetes; Wegovy (semaglutide) is for obesity; Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both GLP-1 and GIP and often results in greater weight loss.

Question 25

Which medication is best?

Accepted Answer

It depends on individual health, side effects, goals and previous treatments. There is no single “best” option.

Question 26

Who decides which medication is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A licensed physician with expertise in obesity, the patient’s medical history and the risk–benefit profile of each medication.

Question 27

Do you need to take the medication for life?

Accepted Answer

Obesity is chronic; many require long-term treatment. Stopping often leads to weight regain, but decisions are individual.

Question 28

What are the criteria for medical obesity treatment?

Accepted Answer

BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with comorbidities + prior lifestyle attempts + medical suitability and risk assessment.

Question 29

How do Ozempic/Wegovy work in the body?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, reducing hunger, increasing satiety, lowering blood sugar and slowing stomach emptying.

Question 30

How does Mounjaro work in the body?

Accepted Answer

Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, providing stronger appetite suppression, improved glucose control and greater weight loss.

Question 31

How many respond to Ozempic/Mounjaro?

Accepted Answer

Most patients: about 70–85% achieve clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%). Mounjaro shows the highest response rates in studies.

Question 32

Are there people who do not respond to injections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. About 10–30% have limited effect due to genetics, hormones, medications or insufficient dose.

Question 33

How much weight can you lose?

Accepted Answer

Wegovy: about 10–15% of body weight. Mounjaro: about 15–22%. Individual variation is large.

Question 34

Do these medications cause addiction?

Accepted Answer

No, they are not addictive. But because obesity is chronic, long-term treatment is often needed.

Question 35

What do the medications cost in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Wegovy/Mounjaro cost approximately 1,500–3,500 SEK per month without subsidy. Prices vary between pharmacies.

Question 36

Are there tablets that help with obesity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, such as orlistat and naltrexone/bupropion. Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) may be prescribed off-label for those unable to use injections. Effects are more modest than injectable treatments.

Question 37

How long does it take for GLP-1 medications to work?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel reduced appetite within 1–2 weeks. Full effects on weight and blood sugar appear once the dose is titrated, usually after 8–12 weeks.

Question 38

Common side effects of weight-loss medications?

Accepted Answer

Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, belching and reduced appetite. Usually temporary and dose-dependent.

Question 39

Why can injections for weight loss cause dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Dizziness may result from temporarily lowered blood pressure, reduced calorie intake, low blood sugar, dehydration or rapid weight loss. Usually temporary.

Question 40

Can Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro cause hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Hair loss is uncommon and more often related to rapid weight loss or nutrient deficiency than to the medication itself.

Question 41

Should you take extra vitamins during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Not routinely, but some may need extra vitamin D, B12 or iron if intake is low. Assessed individually.

Question 42

Is blindness a common side effect?

Accepted Answer

No. Blindness is not a known side effect. (Only rapid glucose improvement in diabetes can temporarily affect vision.)

Question 43

Which medication has the fewest side effects?

Accepted Answer

All have similar gastrointestinal side effects. Mounjaro may cause slightly more GI symptoms but also greater weight loss.

Question 44

When should treatment be paused before surgery?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications are usually paused 1 week before anaesthesia due to delayed stomach emptying.

Question 45

Can you travel with Wegovy/Mounjaro and do you need a cooling bag?

Accepted Answer

Unopened pens must be kept cold (2–8°C). Opened pens can be stored at room temperature for 28–30 days depending on the product.

Question 46

Why do some people feel nauseous on GLP-1 while others don’t?

Accepted Answer

Nausea occurs because stomach emptying slows and the body needs time to adjust. Individual sensitivity, meal size and dose all influence how strong the symptoms become.

Question 47

Can GLP-1 affect the thyroid?

Accepted Answer

No effects on thyroid hormones have been seen in humans. The tumour warning comes from rodent studies where doses were far higher than those used in humans.

Question 48

Is it dangerous to drink alcohol while taking GLP-1?

Accepted Answer

Moderate alcohol is usually fine but may increase nausea and affect blood sugar regulation. Larger amounts can stress the pancreas and should be avoided.

Question 49

Can GLP-1 affect mood?

Accepted Answer

Many experience improved well-being due to more stable blood sugar and weight loss. A small number may experience low mood or anxiety, and should contact a doctor if symptoms persist.

Question 50

What happens if you skip a dose?

Accepted Answer

One missed dose rarely affects long-term results. But if several doses are missed, side effects may increase when restarting because the body needs to readjust.

Question 51

Is it dangerous to take too high a dose by mistake?

Accepted Answer

It can cause severe nausea, vomiting and dizziness because stomach emptying slows dramatically. For severe symptoms, medical care is recommended and the next dose should be delayed until advised.

Question 52

Can GLP-1 cause gallstones?

Accepted Answer

The medication itself does not cause gallstones, but rapid weight loss increases the risk. This applies to all methods of rapid weight reduction.

Question 53

Is it safe to combine GLP-1 with other weight-loss medications?

Accepted Answer

Combinations are rarely used because side effects may increase. A doctor must always assess risks and benefits.

Question 54

How does obesity affect fertility and pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Obesity impairs ovulation and increases the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and complications for both mother and baby.

Question 55

What is PCOS and how is it linked to overweight?

Accepted Answer

PCOS is a hormonal disorder with irregular ovulation and insulin resistance. Excess weight can worsen symptoms and hormonal imbalance.

Question 56

Can weight loss improve the chance of getting pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 5–10% weight loss can improve ovulation, hormone balance and fertility in both PCOS and obesity.

Question 57

Can menopause increase the risk of weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hormonal changes reduce metabolism, increase fat storage and affect hunger and sleep.

Question 58

When should treatment be stopped if planning pregnancy (women/men)?

Accepted Answer

Semaglutide and tirzepatide should be stopped at least 2 months before trying to conceive for both women and men.

Question 59

How do I know if I have hormonal weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Signs include abdominal fat, strong cravings, fatigue, irregular periods or difficulty losing weight. Causes may include PCOS, thyroid disorders or insulin resistance and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Question 60

Can GLP-1 affect the menstrual cycle?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss and improved insulin resistance can normalize cycles, especially in PCOS. Some may experience temporary changes as the body adapts.

Question 61

Which lifestyle changes are important during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Protein-rich meals, fibre, regular eating patterns, strength training, daily movement, good sleep and stress management.

Question 62

Can osteoarthritis improve with weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even 5–10% weight loss reduces pain and joint load in knees and hips.

Question 63

How fast is it safe to lose weight?

Accepted Answer

Losing 1–4 kg per month is usually sustainable and reduces the risk of muscle loss. Faster weight loss can be medically safe under supervision but requires professional monitoring.

Question 64

Why does weight loss plateau after a few months?

Accepted Answer

The body defends its previous weight by lowering metabolism and increasing hunger hormones. This is a normal biological plateau and not a sign of failure.

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Frequently asked questions about weight loss and obesity

About overweight and obesity

Diet and nutrition

Exercise and physical activity

Weight-loss medications

Side effects and safety

Women’s health and hormones

Weight loss: the body and the process