Obesity – SP Medifort Hospital

Obesity Treatment

Obesity Treatment In Trivandrum

Obesity is a medical condition marked by excessive body fat that can negatively affect overall health. It increases the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems, and sleep disorders. Our hospital provides comprehensive care for the management and treatment of obesity.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of obesity?

Common signs include:

Excess body fat and visible weight gain.
Fatigue and low energy.
Breathlessness during minimal activity.
Joint and back pain due to added stress.
Snoring and sleep disturbances.

What causes obesity?

Obesity develops due to a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors:

Unhealthy Diet: High intake of calories, sugary foods, and processed meals.
Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle reduces energy expenditure.
Genetics: Family history can influence metabolism and fat storage.
Medical Conditions: Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome.
Medications: Some drugs, including steroids and certain antidepressants, can lead to weight gain.

Diagnosis of Obesity

At our hospital, obesity is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluations and tests:

Medical History and Physical Exam: The doctor reviews your lifestyle habits, diet, exercise patterns, and family history of obesity or related conditions. A physical examination is performed to check for signs of excess body fat, related health issues, and potential complications such as high blood pressure or joint problems.
Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI is calculated by comparing your weight to your height. A BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese. This helps determine the severity of obesity and guides treatment planning.
Waist Circumference: Measuring abdominal fat is crucial, as excess belly fat is linked to higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This test helps assess central obesity and related health risks.
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests are conducted to check for obesity-related complications, including high blood sugar (diabetes), elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, liver function abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances such as thyroid or adrenal disorders. These tests help identify underlying medical contributors to weight gain.

What are the obesity risk factors?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing obesity:

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity slows metabolism and contributes to weight gain.
High-Calorie Diet: Frequent consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and calorie-dense meals increases the risk of obesity.
Genetic Predisposition: Family history of obesity can influence metabolism, fat storage, and appetite regulation.
Age: Metabolism naturally slows with age, making it easier to gain weight over time.
Medical Conditions or Medications: Certain illnesses, such as hypothyroidism, and medications like steroids or antidepressants, can lead to increased body weight.

What treatment options are available for obesity?

Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized treatment plans to help patients manage weight and improve overall health:

Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a balanced diet with controlled portions and engaging in regular physical activity forms the foundation of obesity management. Nutritional counseling helps patients make sustainable choices and improve overall well-being.

Medications: Prescription medicines may be recommended for selected patients to help reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, or decrease fat absorption. All medications are prescribed under strict medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Behavioral Therapy: Counseling, support groups, and behavioral interventions help patients develop healthy habits, manage emotional eating, and stay motivated in the long-term weight management journey.

Surgical Options: For severe obesity or cases where other treatments are ineffective, bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may be considered. Surgery helps reduce stomach size or absorption, supporting significant and sustained weight loss.

Regular Monitoring: Continuous follow-ups allow our medical team to track weight, assess overall health, monitor potential complications, and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure long-term success.