The best way to treat obesity is to eat a healthy reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly.

To do this, you should:

eat a balanced calorie-controlled diet as recommended by a GP or weight loss management health professional (such as a dietitian)
join a local weight loss group
take up activities such as fast walking, jogging, swimming or tennis for 150 to 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) a week
eat slowly and avoid situations where you know you could be tempted to overeat
You may also benefit from receiving psychological support from a trained healthcare professional to help change the way you think about food and eating.

If lifestyle changes alone do not help you lose weight, a medicine called orlistat may be recommended.

If taken correctly, this medicine works by reducing the amount of fat you absorb during digestion. Your GP will know whether orlistat is suitable for you.