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Obesity is a condition characterized by an excessive body weight or body fat proportion. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a standard measurement. 
You can calculate your BMI yourself using the formula: weight (kilograms) divided by height (meters) squared. For example, if your weight is 79 kg and your height is 155 cm (or 1.55 m) 
BMI = 79 / (1.55 × 1.55) = 32.88 kg/m².
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<h2>What BMI value is considered &#8220;obesity&#8221;?</h2>
A normal BMI should be between 18.5 and 22.9 kg/m². Values outside this range can lead to malnutrition and various diseases. 
<ul>
<li>BMI of 23.0 to 24.9 kg/m² is classified as &#8220;overweight,&#8221; while</li>
<li>BMI &gt;25 kg/m² is classified as &#8220;obesity.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
 
In today&#8217;s lifestyle, obesity is becoming increasingly common. According to World Health Organization statistics, nearly one in three Thai people is overweight enough to be considered obese, ranking second in the ASEAN region, after Malaysia. The countries with the highest average obesity rates in the world are the United States and China.
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<h2>The Hidden Dangers of Obesity</h2>
When we think about obesity, we often focus on weight and body size—feeling insecure about our appearance or struggling to find clothes that fit. However, these concerns are minor compared to the serious health issues that come with obesity. The real danger lies in &#8220;comorbidities,&#8221; or conditions that arise due to excess body fat. Those who are obese are at risk of dying, on average, 7 to 10 years earlier than those of normal weight.
<h2> 
Comorbidities Associated with Obesity</h2>
<ul>
<li>Hormonal and Metabolic Issues: High blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, Elevated cholesterol levels,</li>
<li>Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, Irritability, Stroke, Paralysis, Neck Issues</li>
<li>Neck: Snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)</li>
<li>Respiratory Problems: Asthma, Shortness of breath, Pulmonary hypertension</li>
<li>Circulatory System: Heart diseases, such as Enlarged heart, Ischemic heart disease, Heart failure.</li>
<li>Digestive System: Fatty liver disease, Gallstones, Liver cancer, Gallbladder cancer, Colorectal cancer</li>
<li>Urinary System: Frequent urinary tract infections, Incontinence</li>
<li>Female Reproductive System: Ovarian cysts, Irregular menstruation, Infertility, Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, Uterine cancer</li>
<li>Male Reproductive System: Prostate cancer</li>
<li>Musculoskeletal System: Joint pain, Early-onset arthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints like the back, hips, knees, and ankles</li>
<li>Skin Conditions: Acne, Excessive hair growth, Frequent skin infections, Boils, Fungal infections, Body odor</li>
</ul>
 
Taking proactive steps to lose weight can significantly reduce the risk of these health issues. By prioritizing your health, you can say goodbye to the problems associated with obesity and improve your overall quality of life.
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<h2>Shed the Pounds, Say Goodbye to Illness!</h2>
It has been found that individuals with obesity can significantly improve or even completely resolve many associated health issues by losing weight. For instance, after weight-loss surgery, studies show that over 66-73% of patients with diabetes can achieve normal blood sugar levels (HbA1C &lt; 6.5, FBS &lt; 126 mg/dL) without needing any diabetes medication, even five years post-surgery. This can drastically reduce the risk of complications related to diabetes, such as kidney failure, vision loss, and diabetic foot issues. So, are you ready to wave goodbye to obesity?
<h2> 
How to Lose Weight Effectively</h2>
There are three safe and effective methods to lose weight:
<ul>
<li>Diet Control: Aim for a daily intake of 800-1200 Kcal. Consider popular and accepted dietary approaches like the Atkins diet, low-carbohydrate diets, intermittent fasting, or the Mediterranean diet.</li>
<li>Exercise: Engage in moderate-intensity physical activities that raise your heart rate to fat-burning levels (Zone 2 or 60-80% of maximal heart rate). Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.</li>
</ul>
By focusing on these two methods, you can typically expect to lose about 6-9% of your initial weight, averaging a loss of 0.5-1 kilogram per week. When combined, these approaches can yield even greater results. However, it requires discipline, especially for those with higher initial weights, who may find it harder to maintain their efforts. Older adults or those with pre-existing conditions should consult a doctor before starting any weight loss program to avoid serious health risks.
<ul>
<li>Weight-Loss Surgery: This method can effectively reduce appetite hormones and stomach size, allowing you to feel full on smaller portions. On average, patients can lose 18-40% of their initial weight, making it a viable option for those with a high BMI who haven’t had success with diet and exercise alone. While surgery offers the most sustainable weight loss results, it also carries risks and high costs.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>What to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight</h2>
Self-Prescribing Weight-Loss Medications: Weight-loss drugs can have specific mechanisms that alter bodily functions and may lead to side effects in related systems. Currently, safe weight-loss medications are only available under the supervision of specialized doctors and are prescribed for a short duration in specific cases, such as severe comorbidities or before surgery. Self-prescribing can lead to the &#8220;Yo-Yo effect,&#8221; where weight increases again after stopping the medication, often surpassing the original weight. Most over-the-counter weight-loss products lack safety evidence and can have severe consequences, including disability or even death.
<h2> 
The Path to Successful Weight Loss</h2>
Regardless of the method you choose, success hinges on genuine knowledge of the selected approach, motivation, commitment, and discipline in self-care. Support from those around you can also be invaluable. Once you reach your weight-loss goals, maintaining that weight is crucial. This can be achieved by adopting a new lifestyle and habits. Working with a multidisciplinary support team, especially dietitians and physical therapists, can make it easier, safer, and more effective to maintain your weight long-term.
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   Dr. Benjaporn Nuntasanti 
 Head of the Nutritional Therapy and Obesity Center 
 Specialist in Laparoscopic Surgery 
                                       Advanced Surgical Technology Center (ASIT) 
 Phayathai 3 Hospital
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Obesity is a condition characterized by an excessive body weight or body fat proportion. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a standard measurement.

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