Understanding Obesity & Weight Loss
Obesity & Weight Loss , a widespread health issue, emerges when the balance between calorie intake and expenditure is disrupted. A combination of factors contributes to this condition, encompassing genetic predisposition, inadequate dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic influences.
Body Mass Index (BMI), a fundamental metric in gauging body composition, quantifies the relationship between an individual’s height and weight, serving as a crucial tool to assess the extent of body fat. By understanding these factors and monitoring BMI, individuals can make informed choices to address and manage obesity for improved overall health.
Obesity is the second-biggest preventable cause of cancer and a major contribution to ill-health that prevents people from participating fully in work
WEIGHT LOSS
Medical weight loss comes under the branch of medicine called BARIATRICS, which entails the prevention, investigation, and treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases.
Our advanced weight loss options blend aspects of behavioral change, nutrition, activity, psychology, pharmacology, surgery, and complete lifestyle change for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach.
WHICH OPTION?
The options are broadly classified into:
 | A. Surgical options - Require admission, generally greater & faster weight loss, may have some risks. |
 | B. Non-Surgical options - Generally no admission, safer solutions, quick recovery, adequate results. |
SURGICAL PROCEDURES INCLUDE:
- VSG - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy OR Sleeve Gastrectomy OR Gastric Sleeve
- RYGB - Roux-en-Y Bypass OR Gastric Bypass
- SADI-S - Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve
- DS - Duodenal Switch Gastric Bypass
- OAGB - One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass OR Mini Bypass OR Mini Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Plication
- Gastric Banding
- Revision Surgeries
NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS INCLUDE:
- Endoscopic procedures
- ESG - Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty OR Endoscopic Sleeve OR Endosleeve
- Endoscopic Balloon
- Adjustable Balloon
- Heliosphere Balloon
- Gastric Botox or Injections
- Procedure-less OR least invasive options
- Allurion Balloon
- Cryolipolysis
- Laser Lipolysis
- Ultrasound & Radio frequency treatments
- Prescription Pills or Injections
- Appetite suppressor meds such as GLP agonists like semaglutide, ozempic, mounjaro. Phentermine-topiramate
- Malabsorption pills like Xenical
- Weight loss supplements, fibers, detox programs & teas
- Therapies - These include individualized therapies depending on goals & patient compliance that may not involve any meds or procedure
- Psychological & Behavioral approaches: Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) and Mindful Based interventions (MBI)
- Diet & Activity: caloric intake & expenditure balance
- Gene Therapy & Personalized Medicine - This approach targets obesity based on genetics and helps prevent/control obesity more effectively through gene testing & therapy response.
Causes of Obesity
Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by various factors, including:
- Genetics: Family history and genetics can play a significant role in determining an individual's susceptibility to obesity.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to obesity.
- Environmental Factors: Access to unhealthy foods, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms can impact obesity rates.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can predispose individuals to weight gain and obesity.
The process to get you started on your weight loss journey
Understanding the Risks of Obesity
Obesity is a complex medical condition that goes beyond just carrying excess weight. It poses significant risks to both physical and mental health, often leading to a range of serious complications. Understanding the dangers associated with obesity is crucial for taking proactive steps towards better health. Let's delve into the various risks associated with obesity:
Heart Disease : Obesity is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure. High Blood Pressure : Excess weight strains the heart and blood vessels, leading to hypertension, a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks. Stroke: Obesity raises the risk of ischemic strokes caused by blood clots and hemorrhagic strokes due to weakened blood vessels.
The excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, disrupts insulin signaling, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, vision problems, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea : Excess fat around the neck can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing and poor sleep quality Asthma : Obesity is linked to the development and worsening of asthma symptoms due to inflammation and reduced lung capacity.
Osteoarthritis : Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back. The wear and tear on cartilage can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility Back Pain : Obesity increases the risk of chronic back pain, as the spine is forced to support additional weight, leading to strain and compression of spinal discs
Breast Cancer : Postmenopausal women who are obese have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Colorectal Cancer : Obesity is linked to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in men Endometrial Cancer : Obesity is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer due to hormonal imbalances associated with excess body fat.
Depression and Anxiety : The stigma and discrimination associated with obesity can contribute to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Eating Disorders : Obesity can coexist with eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, where individuals may use food as a coping mechanism for emotional distress
Why You Should Avoid Unhealthy Weight Loss Methods?
Unhealthy weight loss methods may offer quick results in the short term, but they often result in long-term health complications and weight regain.
Severely restricting calorie intake or eliminating entire food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which are detrimental to overall health.
Crash dieting and extreme exercise can disrupt your metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight in the long term.
Unhealthy weight loss methods can lead to physical injuries, mental health issues, and a poor relationship with food and exercise.
Healthy Weight Loss Methods: Surgical and Non-Surgical Approaches
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall well-being. While weight loss journeys vary from person to person, there are numerous safe and effective methods available, both surgical and nonsurgical. Here, we explore different approaches to healthy weight loss:
The Allurion Balloon is a non-surgical weight loss solution ingested as a pill, then inflated in the stomach to induce fullness, reducing food intake and promoting weight loss. An appealing, convenient alternative to traditional bariatric surgeries.
Adjustable balloons offer a unique advantage in weight management by allowing modification after placement. This adaptability enables healthcare professionals to fine-tune stomach filling, optimizing individualized weight loss strategies and making them a versatile choice for patients' specific needs.
Injectable weight loss treatments are administered via injections and affect appetite control, leading to reduced food intake and potential weight loss, providing a tool for individuals to manage weight.
Gastric Bypass, the stomach is reduced by removing a portion of it, then it is connected to a lower part of the intestines, skipping a length of the normal digestive tract. This reduces the food intake as well as absorption causing significant weight loss. It is a form of combination of the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries.
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular and less invasive weight loss option. It involves removing a large portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, banana-shaped stomach, reducing food intake and promoting weight loss. Effective for moderate to severe obesity, it also improves obesity-related health conditions.
The mini gastric bypass simplifies the traditional procedure, creating a smaller stomach pouch directly connected to the small intestine. It offers significant weight loss and health improvements, with less invasiveness than the full bypass, requiring lifelong dietary adherence for success. Chosen for its balance between effectiveness and invasiveness.
FAQs
Obesity surgeries are evaluated based on body mass index, previous surgeries, previous medical history, amount of weight loss desired as well as financial implication – are the variables that help determine this.
It is dependent on an individual’s body mass index (BMI) and the presence of any co-morbidities. You may qualify for surgery if you have a BMI of 40 or greater, or if your BMI is at least 35 with other obesity-related health problems e.g. diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Usually 1-4 days of stay in the hospital. Problems that may occur during the preoperative evaluation and postoperative recovery period may determine this period.
Communication with your team and following your doctor’s instructions can prevent majority of the complications. Some include – dumping syndrome, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies but can be avoided if the correct diet is followed and supplements.
We will transition you from liquid diet to solid diet gradually. High carb, sugary fluids and generally junk meals are to be reduced or completely avoided for better results, minimal side effects and sustainability of weight loss
After leaving the hospital, heavy activities should be reduced. The patient should not lift heavy loads for about 6 weeks.
TESTIMONIALS
THE GENERAL PROGRAM
All Specialist Consultation ~ 50 Visits
All Lab ~ 25 full body tests & Imaging ~ 3 tests
All Pre & Post Procedure Medication
Skin Contouring
Colon Hydrotherapy
FREE Support Beyond 6 Months