World Obesity Day!

Obesity
Medical Gastroenterology

There are nearly 180 million children and more than 600 million adults with BMI exceeding 30.

  • There are nearly 108 million children and more than600 million adults with BMI exceeding 30
  • China had 15.3 million children with obesity and India 14.4 million
  • Among adults, the U.S. topped the list with 79.4million people with obesity and China came second with 57.3 million people

WHAT IS OBESITY?

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat which isn't just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. There are many reasons why some people have difficulty avoiding obesity. Usually, obesity results from a combination of inherited factors, combined with the environment and personal diet and exercise choices. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent health problems associated with obesity.

SIGNS

  • Breathlessness
  • Increased sweating
  • Snoring
  • Feeling very tired every day
  • Back and joint pains
  • Inability to cope with sudden physical activity

CAUSES

  • Calories
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Medical reasons
  • Genetics

PREVENTION

Obesity is associated with a long list of chronic health conditions, many of which become more difficult to treat over time. It can be prevented by:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Monitoring your weight regularly
  • Following a healthy-eating plan
  • Being consistent

DIAGNOSIS

  • Taking your health history
  • A general physical exam
  • Calculating your BMI
  • Measuring your waist circumference
  • Checking for other health problems
  • Blood tests

TREATMENT

Obesity can happen for a number of reasons, including diet, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, a health condition, or the use of certain medications. A number of treatment options can help people achieve and maintain a suitable weight.

NON-SURGICAL

You may require treatment by a physician if your own efforts to lose weight have failed and/or if co-existing medical conditions make it crucial for you to lose weight. That treatment may include:

  • Behavioral changes to improve dietary habits and increase activity levels
  • Therapy or treatment for any dietary disorders
  • Medication to treat obesity-related health problems, such as fatty liver, high blood pressure, etc.

SURGICAL

Weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is the only option today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures such as diet, exercise and medication have failed.

BARIATRIC SURGERY - INDICATIONS FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY
It is important to note that weight is only one of the several criteria when considering bariatric surgery. Candidates may include those who:

  • Those who are morbidly obese which means a BMI of > 40, or
  • Those with a BMI between 35 & 40, but with co-existing medical conditions

COMMON WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERIES/PROCEDURES INCLUDE:

GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY- The procedure enables food to bypass parts of the digestive system, specifically the first part of the mid-section of the small intestine. It may also reduce the size of the stomach.

ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING- In this procedure, your stomach is separated into two pouches with an inflatable band. Pulling the band tight, like a belt, the surgeon creates a tiny channel between the two pouches. The band keeps the opening from expanding and is generally designed to stay in place permanently.

BILIOPANCREATIC DIVERSION WITH DUODENAL SWITCH- A biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a less-common weight-loss procedure that entails two major steps. The first step is sleeve gastrectomy in which about 80 percent of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller tube-shaped stomach. The second step bypasses the majority of the intestine by connecting the end portion of the intestine to the duodenum near the stomach.

GASTRIC SLEEVE- In this procedure, part of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller reservoir for food. It's a less complicated surgery than gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES FOR WEIGHT LOSS- These types of procedures don't require any incisions in your skin. After you receive anesthesia,flexible tubes and tools are inserted through your mouth and down your throat into your stomach.

*Reference - Mayo Clinic, World Health Organisation

Find out more about our Bariatric & Weightloss Surgery Department here

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