Can gain weight, can recover: Simple approaches to treating obesity

Obesity not only causes us to have an unproportional body shape or destroys confidence in life, but it also negatively affects health. If left untreated, it may lead to high medical expenses and increase the risk of death. Therefore, it is a reason why we all should take good care of our health to prevent “Overweight” from progressing to “Obesity”, which opens the door for other diseases to harm and destroy life. The starting point for protecting ourselves from the dangers of obesity is to first know whether we are already obese or not.

Calculate Body Mass Index to easily prove whether we are obese or not?

To determine whether we have entered the state of obesity or how obese we are, the Body Mass Index or BMI is used as the criterion. The formula for calculation is “Body weight [kg] / (Height [m]²)”. The BMI value indicates whether our body weight is appropriate as follows:

1. BMI 18.5 – 22.9 Normal weight
2. BMI 23 – 24.9 Overweight
3. BMI ≥ 25 – 29.9 Obesity level 1
4. BMI ≥ 30 and above Obesity level 2

The classification of BMI values above is to clearly show the severity of obesity. Simply put, the higher our BMI value, the greater the chance of developing chronic diseases resulting from obesity. Diseases that can occur and are dangerous when we are very obese include diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, stroke and heart disease, fatty liver, ovarian cysts, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, etc.

How to treat when overweight with BMI higher than the standard?

1. Lifestyle Modification is the most important initial treatment, which involves changing one’s lifestyle behaviors regarding diet and exercise. This includes exercising, choosing healthy foods in appropriate amounts, quitting smoking and alcohol. These are things that can be done by oneself. However, in some cases with health problems or underlying diseases, it is advisable to consult specialists along with dietitians and physical therapists to plan personalized health care, including calculating nutrient needs and appropriate exercise for each individual’s health condition.
2. Medication is treatment using drugs, which must be under medical supervision only. Currently, there are various types of weight loss medications, including oral and injectable forms. The choice of weight loss medication should be considered individually based on medical history, BMI, and underlying diseases. Self-medication is not recommended as it may cause harm due to inappropriate use or severe side effects.
3. Surgery is treatment by surgery, considered in cases where patients have very high BMI and/or severe obesity-related diseases or have failed all other treatments. Current obesity surgeries include Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. Specialized surgeons will evaluate treatment methods individually, considering health status, pre-surgery risks, and planning together with a team of specialists for long-term care including post-surgery follow-up.

Summary of initial obesity treatment guidelines

• 23 – 26.9 BMI (kg/m.²) Related underlying diseases: None, Treatment: Lifestyle Modification
• ≥ 27 BMI (kg/m.²) Related underlying diseases: Present, Treatment: Lifestyle Modification, Medication
• ≥ 30 BMI (kg/m.²) Related underlying diseases: None, Treatment: Lifestyle Modification, Medication
• ≥ 32.5 BMI (kg/m.²) Related underlying diseases: Present, Treatment: Lifestyle Modification, Medication, Surgery
• ≥ 37.5 BMI (kg/m.²) Related underlying diseases: None, Treatment: Lifestyle Modification, Medication, Surgery

The danger of obesity is that it is the starting point for other chronic diseases, which reduce quality of life and increase the risk of life-threatening complications. Therefore, if today you calculate and find that your BMI exceeds the standard, you should turn back to take care of your health, change your behavior, do Lifestyle Modification, adjust your lifestyle to regain better health, and control your weight within the normal range.

The key principle of weight control is “calorie balance”, eating in accordance with the body’s metabolism. You should choose a Sustainable Diet, which is a healthy eating pattern suitable for your health and can be maintained continuously, not a drastic short-term diet. If you try to change your behavior but still fail to lose weight, you can consult a doctor for advice and treatment from a team of specialists who will plan appropriate treatment based on your health condition and body, considering safety under close supervision, which will result in sustainable good outcomes.