Obesity Treatment

Obesity is a multifactorial disease that results from an imbalance between excessive energy intake but substantially minimal expenditure, causing excessive weight gain. This ailment has strong genetic factors which demonstrates that it is heritable. The other factors include reduced physical activity (sedentary lifestyle), insomnia (sleeplessness), various types of endocrine disorders (such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Bardet-Beidl syndrome, etc), drugs, and most importantly high consumption of excessive carbohydrates and high-sugar foods.

Obesity rates are increasing worldwide, affecting over 500 million (50 crores) adults.

Obesity effects cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, causing diabetes, stroke, gallstones, fatty liver, obesity, hypoventilation syndrome, sleep apnea, and cancers.

Types of Obesity

Obesity classification can be based on fat distribution:

Central Obesity (Abdominal): Excess fat deposition in the abdominal region is termed ‘abdominal obesity’ and is associated with greater health risks.The definition and measurement guidelines of abdominal obesity differed from WHO, IDF (International Diabetes Federation) to AHA (American Heart Association)
Peripheral Obesity: In the peripheral type, fat is accumulated around the hip and thigh areas. A peripherally obese person possesses almost rounded hips and the buttocks and looks larger when compared to normal subjects.

Obesity Causes

Obesity is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors:

Genetics: A number of genes for obesity have been identified and they can be considered in three broad areas. First type of genes manipulate the coding for proteins that regulate food intake at the level of the hypothalamus (eg, proopiomelanocortin, leptin etc. The second type of genes genetic variation occurs in preadipocyte differentiation. The third type of genes that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and/or adaptive thermogenesis, altering the propensity to gain or lose weight.
Lifestyle Choices: It is well known that physical inactivity is directly associated with weight gain. Results of studies have demonstrated the relationship between physical activity intensity and abdominal obesity among adolescents. Also, several studies have reported high prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents adopting a diet composed of unhealthy foods such as fast food, sweets and sweetened beverages.
Hormonal Imbalances: Several endocrine alterations such (as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, etc) from the hypothalamic-pituitary hormones axes can cause obesity. These alterations not only cause obesity but also influence energy storage, increasing adipose tissue.
Psychological Factors: The psychological effects of obesity are deeply intertwined with emotional and behavioral factors predisposing individuals to obesity. Commonly, stress and emotional distress are significant contributors; and individuals may turn to food consumption as a coping mechanism for managing stress, leading to a cycle of emotional eating and weight gain.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent weight gain despite lifestyle changes
Difficulty in managing weight due to underlying medical conditions
Signs of obesity-related complications, such as shortness of breath, joint pain, or high blood pressure Early intervention can prevent obesity from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Obesity Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing obesity:

Genetics: A family history of obesity or related health issues
Age: As metabolism slows down with age, it becomes easier to gain weight
Dietary Habits: High-calorie, low-nutrient foods contribute to weight gain
Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles significantly increase obesity risk

Obesity Complications & Preventions

The propensity for obesity problems increases multiple fold with each increase of BMI. They include:

Type 2 Diabetes
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Sleep Apnea
Obesity prevention involves adopting healthy eating habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and addressing underlying medical conditions early. Making sustainable lifestyle changes is essential for long-term weight management.

Diagnosis & Tests

Obesity diagnosis involves calculating BMI, measuring waist circumference, and assessing overall health. Diagnostic tests may include:

Blood Tests: To check for diabetes, cholesterol levels, and thyroid function
Liver Function Tests: To detect fatty liver disease
Imaging: In severe cases, scans may be done to assess fat distribution

Obesity Treatment

Obesity therapy options include includes various options depending on individual circumstances:

Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes, regular exercise, and behavior therapy are first-line treatments.
Medications: Obesity management can be done through prescription drugs which help reduce appetite or prevent fat absorption.
Surgical Options: Bariatric surgery (more colloquially called as obesity surgery), such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, may be recommended for individuals with severe obesity.

Do's and Don’ts for Managing Obesity

Do’s:

Engage in regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day)
Follow a balanced, calorie-controlled diet
Stay hydrated and prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods
Seek support from healthcare professionals

Don’ts:

Avoid crash diets or extreme calorie restriction
Don’t skip meals or rely on fast food
Avoid sedentary behaviors, such as prolonged sitting
Don’t ignore mental health—stress and emotional issues can influence eating habits

Care at Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra Endocrinology Clinic

At Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra Endocrinology Clinic, we offer personalized care to treat and manage obesity. Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra, a highly experienced endocrinologist, takes an individualized approach to addressing the root causes of obesity, focusing on lifestyle changes, medical management, and long-term health improvement. His expertise ensures the most effective and sustainable treatment for your condition.