Obesity Medicine

Obesity Medicine is a specialized field of healthcare dedicated to the comprehensive assessment, treatment, and prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. It encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and behavioural strategies to support individuals on their journey toward achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity medicine practitioners play a crucial role in addressing the complex nature of obesity and its impact on overall health and well-being. 

Common Conditions Treated By The Department

• Obesity: Primary treatment of obesity itself, focusing on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet, exercise, behavioural therapy, and sometimes medication or surgery.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Often linked to obesity, focusing on blood sugar control through weight management strategies.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, where weight reduction can significantly improve cardiovascular health.
• Dyslipidemia: Managing abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, which are often associated with obesity.
• Sleep Apnea: Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, and weight reduction can improve or resolve this condition.
• Osteoarthritis: Excess weight can lead to increased stress on weight-bearing joints, exacerbating osteoarthritis.
• Fatty Liver Disease (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, NASH): Managing liver health through weight control, as obesity is a key contributor to fatty liver disease.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Obesity can exacerbate GERD symptoms; weight loss is often an effective treatment strategy.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Weight management is a crucial part of managing PCOS, which is often linked to obesity.
• Infertility: Obesity can impact fertility in both men and women, and weight loss can improve reproductive outcomes.
• Urinary Stress Incontinence: Excess body weight can contribute to urinary incontinence, and weight loss can alleviate symptoms.
• Psychological Conditions: Including depression and anxiety, which can be related to or affected by obesity.
• Certain Types of Cancers: Such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer, where obesity is a known risk factor.

Common Procedures

• Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT): This involves detailed dietary assessments and the development of personalized nutrition plans, often in collaboration with registered dietitians, to promote weight loss and manage obesity-related conditions.
• Pharmacotherapy: Prescribing and managing weight-loss medications that are appropriate for the patient's condition and overall health profile.
• Bariatric Surgery Counseling and Referral: Evaluating patients for bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Post-surgical follow-up and nutritional management are also crucial.
• Metabolic Monitoring: Regularly monitoring metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, lipid profile, liver function tests, and others to assess the impact of obesity and its treatment on overall health.
• Weight Monitoring and Body Composition Analysis: Regular tracking of weight and body composition (fat mass, muscle mass, and bone density) to assess progress and adjust treatment plans.
• Screening for Obesity-Related Conditions: Regular monitoring for conditions commonly associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

Key Advantages

• Improved Health Outcomes: Successful weight management through obesity medicine leads to reduced risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Achieving a healthy weight can result in increased energy levels, improved mobility, and an overall better sense of well-being.
• Prevention of Complications: Addressing obesity early can prevent or mitigate the development of obesity-related conditions and complications.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.