Obesity increases anaesthetic risk due to associated co morbidities. Obese patients present a unique set of considerations in the peri-anaesthetic period including drug administration, positioning, changes in monitoring and recovery. Management of stress is key in order to provide the most appropriate care in the pre and post anaesthetic phase. Obese patients present a challenge when attempting to provide a safe and effective general anaesthetic as there are key changes in physiology. In general, they are likely to have reduced cardiovascular function and are at risk for hypoventilation.