Millions of people worldwide suffer from obesity, a chronic illness that has spread like an epidemic. Obesity is more than just gaining extra weight; it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, and even some types of cancer. Although many people can control their weight with traditional methods like diet and exercise, in many cases, these methods are insufficient. At this stage, advanced treatments, such as obesity surgery, might be required.
However, when should obesity surgery be considered, and when is medical treatment sufficient for obesity? The function of medical treatments, the warning signs that surgery may be necessary, and the reasons that consulting a skilled obesity surgeon can offer customized solutions will all be covered in this blog.
The Role of Medical Treatment in Obesity
Medical treatment, which usually consists of lifestyle changes, medication, and occasionally behavioral therapy, is the first line of defense against obesity. Let’s examine how each of these aids in the control of obesity:
Changes in Lifestyle
The majority of medical treatment for obesity is based on lifestyle modifications, particularly those related to nutrition and exercise. The main strategy for losing weight is to create a calorie deficit, or burn more calories than you take in. Many people can lose extra weight by eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains and getting regular exercise. However, for individuals with severe obesity, this approach can be very challenging and may take months or even years of consistent effort to notice even small changes, with results often falling short of expectations.
Medications for Obesity
Doctors may suggest drugs to help people lose weight if lifestyle modifications are insufficient. A few FDA-approved drugs, such as liraglutide, phentermine, and orlistat, are intended to decrease fat absorption or suppress appetite. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 and other obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, are typically given consideration for these medications.
Although these drugs work for some people, they usually only cause slight weight loss and frequently cause adverse effects like nausea, constipation, or elevated heart rate. Most significantly, these drugs only work when used in conjunction with regular lifestyle modifications, and without continued dedication, their effects are frequently not long-lasting.
Behavioural Therapy
People who struggle with their weight can overcome psychological obstacles with behavioural therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Obesity is frequently linked to stress, depression, emotional eating, and negative thought patterns. Patients can improve their self-regulation skills, make thoughtful food choices, and learn healthier coping mechanisms by working with a therapist or counsellor.
For people who struggle with emotional eating or who require assistance in creating long-lasting, sustainable habits, behavioural therapy can be immensely helpful. Like drugs, though, it might not show results right away and frequently takes a lot of time and work to see noticeable changes.
Although many people can benefit from medical treatment for obesity, there are situations in which these non-surgical approaches are insufficient, especially in cases of severe obesity. Obesity surgery may be a viable option for long-term weight loss when alternative treatments are unable to produce lasting results.
When Obesity Surgery Becomes Necessary: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Medical treatment for obesity alone may not be sufficient for certain people to significantly reduce their body weight or improve health issues associated with obesity. Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, may be required in these situations. Although it is not a quick fix, this surgical procedure has been shown to be one of the best ways to help patients with extreme obesity lose weight over the long term. The following indicators may indicate that obesity surgery is the best option for you:
Severe Obesity (BMI > 35 or > 40 with medical conditions)
A BMI of 40 or higher (severe obesity) or greater than 35 with obesity-related medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnea are the most common criteria for considering bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding. People with a BMI in these ranges may find it challenging to lose significant weight using only conventional methods and are far more likely to experience major health issues.
Inability to Reduce Weight in a Sustainable Way
It might be time to think about obesity surgery if you’ve tried diet, exercise, and medication to lose weight on a regular basis without seeing long-term results. It can be challenging to continue losing weight and keep it off for people with severe obesity because they frequently experience weight regain or a plateau in their weight loss efforts.
Medical Conditions Associated with Obesity Are Getting Worse
Surgery might be required if non-surgical treatments for severe obesity-related medical conditions are failing to improve your condition. Some of these conditions can be lessened or even resolved with obesity surgery. For instance, it has been demonstrated that patients who have gastric bypass surgery see notable improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions linked to obesity.
Unable to Preserve Life Quality
Obesity can significantly lower your quality of life in addition to having an adverse effect on your physical health. Bariatric surgery may be a life-changing option if your excess weight is making it difficult for you to carry out everyday tasks, impairing your mobility, or causing you to experience anxiety or depression. In addition to helping patients lose weight, these procedures also help them regain their self-esteem, mobility, and general quality of life.
You’re Prepared to Make the Commitment
Although weight loss surgery is an effective weight loss tool, it’s crucial to realize that it also requires commitment of healthy eating habits and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is a tool to help you maintain a healthy weight over the long term, but it necessitates a change in lifestyle. It is not a panacea. Obesity surgery may be the best choice if you’re prepared to make those adjustments.
Consult the Best Obesity Surgeon in Ahmedabad for Personalized Advice
If you’re thinking about obesity treatment in India as a possible option for sustained weight loss, it’s crucial to seek tailored counsel from a trained and experienced surgeon. Ansh Obecure is a leading bariatric surgery center in Ahmedabad. It specialize in offering full assessments for people battling with obesity. Our experienced team will examine your BMI, medical history, and overall health to assist in selecting the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
We recognize that each patient’s needs are unique, and we adopt a tailored approach to guarantee that you receive the finest care possible. Our expert obesity surgeons will help you through the process, answering all your concerns and delivering the support needed to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery or other obesity treatments, trust Ansh Obecure to provide experienced counsel and compassionate care throughout your weight loss journey.
Conclusion
While medical treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, and therapy can help manage obesity, they may not be enough for everyone, especially in severe cases. If weight-related health issues persist or your quality of life is affected, surgery could be a necessary next step. Contact Ansh Obecure in Ahmedabad, a team of experienced professionals can help assess your condition and guide you toward the most suitable option, whether surgical or non-surgical, based on your individual needs and health goals.
