Obesity is a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease, characterized by the presence of abnormal or excess adiposity that impairs health and social well-being. Screening for obesity should be performed regularly by mea­suring body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. The clinical assessment of obesity should aim to establish the diagnosis and identify the causes and consequences of abnormal or excess adiposity on a patient’s physical, mental and functional health. Providers participating in the assessment of obesity should focus on establishing values and goals of treatment, identi­fying which resources and tools may be needed and foster­ing self-efficacy with the patient in order to achieve long-term success. A non-judgmental, stigma-free environment is necessary for an effective assessment of a patient living with obesity.