Obesity is a complex chronic disease (long-term health condition) in which excess body fat can harm health and quality of life. Obesity can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and some cancers. In the United States, obesity affects about one in five children and two in five adults.

Physical therapists help people with obesity move more comfortably, become more active, and do daily activities more easily. They create personalized treatment plans to reduce pain, improve mobility, and build strength. They also help support overall health and well-being for people with obesity.

Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.

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On this page

• What Is Obesity?
• How Does It Feel?
• How Is It Diagnosed?
• How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
• Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?
• What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease in which excess body fat can impair health. It develops from a combination of factors that can be different for each person, including:

• Genetics and family history
• Metabolism (how your body uses energy), hormones, and inflammation
• Certain health conditions and medications
• Access to nutritious foods, safe places to be active, and healthcare
• Sleep, stress, and other factors that affect health

No single factor causes obesity, and no single treatment works for everyone. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are important for overall health, but many other factors also affect body weight.

Regular physical activity can improve physical and mental health, increase energy, and lower the risk of many health conditions. It is helpful even if body weight changes very little or does not change at all.

A physical therapist can help address pain, weakness, stiffness, balance problems, and movement challenges that make activities harder. They can also help people manage health conditions that commonly occur alongside obesity, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cancer 
• Osteoarthritis
• Lymphedema (swelling of the arms and legs)
• Breathing problems, including asthma and sleep apnea
• Depression
• Falls

How Does It Feel?

Some people with obesity have no symptoms. Others may have physical, emotional, or movement-related challenges that affect daily life. This can affect how a person feels, moves, and manages their activities. With obesity, you may experience:

• Reduced energy for daily activities
• Joint pain, especially in the knees, hips, feet, or lower back
• Difficulty walking longer distances, climbing stairs, or being active.
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks at home, work, or school
• Feeling frustrated, anxious, depressed, or less confident doing the activities you enjoy

How Is It Diagnosed?

If you see a physical therapist, they will complete a detailed evaluation. They may ask about your health history, medical conditions, medicines, daily activities, and goals. They will also assess how your condition affects your strength, flexibility, balance, pain, and ability to move.

Your physical therapist may measure your height, weight, and waist size and calculate your body mass index. BMI is a screening tool. It does not directly measure body fat or tell the whole story about a person's health. Measuring your waist can help identify excess abdominal (belly) fat. Some belly fat, called visceral fat, surrounds your internal organs. This type of fat is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

Your physical therapist may work with other members of your healthcare team. They can help coordinate your care and manage other conditions that could affect your treatment.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?

A variety of factors influence obesity, many of which are beyond a person's control. Even when obesity cannot be prevented, healthy habits, regular physical activity, and medical care can help you stay healthier. It can also help you reduce your risk of long-term health problems.

Consider the following strategies to support your overall health and well-being:

• Try to achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, such as brisk walking. Include muscle-strengthening exercises in your weekly routine. People with chronic conditions should be as physically active as their abilities and health conditions allow.
• Find enjoyable ways to be physically active and reduce long periods of sitting when possible.
• Eat a balanced diet that supports your health and nutritional needs.
• Get adequate sleep and manage stress, as both can affect overall health and well-being.
• Work with healthcare providers, such as physical therapists and physicians, as well as a registered dietitian, to create a plan that fits your needs and goals.

Joint pain and difficulty moving are common challenges for people living with obesity. If pain, stiffness, weakness, or movement problems make daily activities harder, a physical therapist can help. They can identify what may be affecting your movement and create a personalized plan to help you move more comfortably. They can also help you get and stay active and make everyday tasks easier.

What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

All physical therapists are trained to work with people who have obesity across the lifespan. You may want to consider:

• A physical therapist who has experience helping people with obesity and related conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, balance problems, or chronic pain.
• A board-certified specialist or a physical therapist with advanced (residency or fellowship) training in a specialty area that matches your needs, such as orthopedic, sports, cardiovascular and pulmonary, neurologic, pediatric, and geriatric physical therapy.

You can find physical therapists near you with specific experience or expertise using the American Physical Therapy Association’s Find a PT tool.

General tips when you are looking for a physical therapist (or any healthcare provider):

• Get recommendations from family, friends, or other healthcare providers.
• Ask about the physical therapist's experience helping people with obesity and related health conditions.
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible during your first visit. Make a note of what makes your symptoms better or worse.

Further Reading

The American Physical Therapy Association provides this information to help you make informed healthcare decisions and prepare for conversations with your healthcare provider.

CDC, About Obesity (updated January 23, 2024). Accessed Aug 26, 2026.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Published December 3, 2025. Accessed August 31, 2026.

US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf. Accessed Aug 31, 2026.