At SpesHealth, obesity is effectively treated through customized diet and exercise plans, non-invasive techniques, and advanced bariatric surgery, all tailored to the individual needs of our patients.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is the excessive accumulation of fat that negatively impacts overall health. According to global statistics, obesity rates have tripled in the last 50 years. It is not just a cosmetic concern but a medical issue that significantly increases the risk of severe health conditions. Excess fat in the body releases hormones and chemicals that can heighten appetite, reduce feelings of fullness, and worsen obesity. Without intervention, it becomes difficult to control. The good news? With the right medical support and patient motivation, obesity is both preventable and treatable.
Causes of Obesity
Obesity primarily occurs when calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure, leading to fat storage in the body. Overeating combined with a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk. However, obesity can also be influenced by genetic factors, certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism, or medications such as anti-seizure drugs.
Obesity Risk Factors
Obesity develops from a combination of behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity leads to energy imbalance.
- Unhealthy diet: Consuming high-calorie foods rich in sugar and fats.
- Genetics: Inherited traits can influence hunger, food intake, and fat storage.
- Age: Hormonal changes, slower metabolism, and lower activity levels as people age.
- Stress: Stress often leads to overeating and can increase fat retention due to the release of cortisol.
- Medical conditions: Disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s syndrome, and arthritis can cause weight gain.
How is Obesity Measured?
Obesity is commonly assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI formula involves dividing weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters squared). The result indicates whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
| BMI Classification | Result |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal Weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 – 34.9 | Class I Obesity |
| 35 – 39.9 | Class II Obesity |
| Above 40 | Class III Obesity (Morbid Obesity) |
Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis. It is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Moreover, it can negatively affect quality of life, leading to depression and social isolation.
Preventing Obesity
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is the key to preventing obesity. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in processed foods, combined with regular physical activity, can help prevent weight gain. Managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, and avoiding unhealthy eating habits are also critical for weight control.
Obesity Diagnosis
BMI is just one tool in diagnosing obesity. Other factors like fat distribution (e.g., abdominal obesity) and waist circumference are important indicators. For men, a waist circumference over 94 cm, and for women, over 80 cm, indicates a higher risk of health issues.
Obesity Treatment at SpesHealth
At SpesHealth, we offer personalized obesity treatment programs that may include:
- Customized diet and exercise plans: When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, our specialists step in to help patients achieve steady weight loss.
- Medications: For some, weight loss medications may be prescribed to control appetite or boost metabolism.
- Non-surgical treatments: We provide non-invasive procedures such as gastric balloons and Botox for weight management.
- Bariatric surgery: For patients with severe obesity, surgical interventions like sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or mini gastric bypass are available.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures
For patients with a BMI of 27-35, we offer non-invasive procedures like:
- Gastric Botox: A quick, 20-25 minute procedure that reduces muscle contractions, helping the stomach retain food longer and decrease appetite.
- Gastric Balloon: A balloon is placed in the stomach to reduce its volume, limiting food intake. Results can lead to a 7–15% reduction in body weight.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery alters the digestive system to help with weight loss. At SpesHealth, we offer several surgical methods:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: The most common bariatric procedure, removing about 80% of the stomach.
- Mini Gastric Bypass: A simpler version of the traditional bypass surgery, reducing food absorption and stomach size.
- Gastric Bypass: A more complex surgery that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes food to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery can lose 60-80% of their excess body weight within two years, with significant improvements in obesity-related conditions, including:
- Regulated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Relief from asthma, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
Why Choose SpesHealth?
SpesHealth offers:
- A multidisciplinary team of experts in nutrition, gastroenterology, endocrinology, surgery, and psychiatry, ensuring comprehensive care.
- State-of-the-art equipment for minimally invasive surgeries.
- Exceptional international patient services, including travel support, medical appointments, and follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is a candidate for obesity surgery?
A: Obesity surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or above, or those with a BMI of 35 or above who also have weight-related health issues such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. It may also be considered for patients who have not achieved weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
Q: How long will I stay in the hospital after bariatric surgery?
A: Generally, patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery will stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. However, the duration may vary depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress.
Q: How quickly can I expect to lose weight after bariatric surgery?
A: Patients typically lose about 60-80% of their excess body weight within 1-2 years after bariatric surgery. The rate of weight loss can vary based on the patient’s adherence to lifestyle changes and recommendations.
Q: What is the recovery process like after surgery?
A: The recovery process varies based on the type of surgery and individual health. Generally, patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Full recovery involves following dietary and exercise guidelines provided by your healthcare team.
Q: How risky is obesity surgery?
A: Obesity surgery, like other major surgeries, carries risks such as infections, blood clots, and bleeding. However, these risks are manageable, and the long-term benefits of surgery often outweigh the potential complications. At SpesHealth, we conduct thorough evaluations to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment.
Q: What lifestyle changes should I make after surgery?
To achieve and maintain successful weight loss, patients should adhere to a balanced diet and regular exercise program. Significant lifestyle changes, such as adopting new eating habits, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep, are essential for long-term success.
Q: How does the treatment process work at SpesHealth?
At SpesHealth, the treatment process begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We create a personalized treatment plan that may include diet and exercise programs, medications, non-surgical procedures, or bariatric surgery. We also provide full support for international patients, including medical appointments, travel arrangements, and follow-up care.
