Obesity is becoming increasingly common due to the changing lifestyle of people. An obese person is at risk of contracting multiple other medical problems like diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, gallstones, fatty liver and even certain cancers. Lack of exercise, overeating, high carbohydrate diet intake, genetic factors, psychological and social issues, and certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), Cushing's syndrome and insulin resistance are prime causes for obesity.
Body mass index (BMI) measures the body’s fat based on the height and weight of a person. It is calculated by dividing one’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
| Weight Categories | BMI(kg/m2) |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Healthy Weight | 18.5-24.9 |
| Overweight | 25-29.9 |
| Obese | 30-34.9 |
| Severely Obese | 35-39.9 |
| Morbidly Obese | ≥40 |
A healthy lifestyle and diet habits are the keys. Besides, if any underlying specific disease is there, that should be managed as well.
Dietary changes are vital for those trying to lose weight. Calorie consumption must be closely monitored and cut down wherever possible. Healthy food options such as fruits and vegetables should be consumed more as they can help control the calories and help them feel fuller and better. Food rich in carbohydrates and certain fats must be limited. Small quantities of fats from sources that are good for the heart like olive, canola and nut oils can be had. Lean meat and fish can be had in monitored quantities and salt & sugar usage must be considerably reduced. Exercise is an important part of the weight loss regime. To maintain the current weight and ensure more weight isn’t gained, at least 150 minutes of exercise a week is a must.
Bariatric surgery or a weight loss surgery is advised for those who are exceedingly obese with a BMI of 40 or higher, or BMI >35 with obesity-related comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc. These surgeries aid to limit the amount of food intake and decrease the number of calories absorbed. Surgery is usually done through a laparoscopic approach (Keyhole surgery).
Also known as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in this procedure, the surgeon divides the stomach into a smaller pouch and a larger pouch. He/She will then connect the smaller pouch directly to the small intestine directing water and food through it.
Also known, as the Lap-Band, adjustable gastric banding is a minimally invasive surgery. In this procedure, the gastroenterologist divides the stomach into two pouches with an inflatable band. By tightening the band, the volume of the first part of the stomach decreases making the patient feel fuller with a lesser quantity of food.
A part of the stomach is completely removed in this procedure. This decreases the volume of the stomach making the patient feel fuller with a lesser quantity of food.
This is a complex procedure, required in extremely obese patients who need to lose a lot of weight.
Our gastroenterology services treat all kinds of digestive system disorders. Book an appointment now with our GI Specialists and have the best team of doctors treating you!
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