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In India, obesity has become a serious public health issue. According to studies, about 13 percent of Indians aged 15 and above were obese in 2018. With lifestyle changes such as reduced physical activity and unhealthy eating habits becoming increasingly common among the population, this number is expected to climb even higher.

To combat this growing epidemic of obesity in India, individuals need to be aware of the factors contributing to it and the existing treatments that can help manage this condition.

Let’s look at these factors and discuss how individuals struggling with weight issues can take positive steps towards bettering their health through various treatment options available in India today.

What Is Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition in which an individual has excessive body fat, leading to various health issues. It is usually determined by measuring the body mass index (BMI). Individuals with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight, and those with a BMI over 30 are considered obese.

Obesity is caused by an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure, meaning an individual eats more than they burn. In addition to genetics and environment, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play an important role in how much body fat is stored.

As body fat accumulates, it can lead to weight gain, which can be difficult to manage without outside help.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to obesity. These include genetics, environment, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions.

Genetics:
Genetics play a role in determining an individual’s likelihood of being obese. Genes can affect how the body processes and stores carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food and other hormones related to body weight regulation.

Environment:
An unhealthy environment can also contribute to obesity. This includes having easy access to fast food or high-calorie snacks and living in an area with limited access to healthy foods or limited opportunities for physical activity due to a lack of safe areas for exercise or a lack of recreational activities.

Lifestyle habits:
Poor dietary choices, such as eating large portions, high-fat foods, and sugary beverages, contribute significantly to obesity. Additionally, individuals who don’t get enough physical activity are more likely to be overweight or obese.

Medical conditions:
Certain medical conditions can lead to obesity, including Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, depression and stress disorders, which can cause overeating or increased appetite as side effects of medications used to treat them.

Understanding The Impact Of Obesity

Obesity can have a variety of long-term effects on the body. It increases the risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Obese individuals are also at higher risk for certain types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer.

Additionally, obesity can lead to joint pain due to added stress on the joints and decreased mobility due to excess weight. Lastly, obesity is associated with psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem.

If left untreated, obesity can cause severe health complications that require medical attention, such as surgical procedures or prescription medications to reduce weight. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help if your lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your weight.

Treatment Options

Thankfully, there are treatments available for those who are suffering from obesity that can help them overcome the condition and lead healthier lives.

Each of these treatments has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular options include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications like orlistat, bariatric surgery and counselling or cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

Diet & Exercise:
The most common first line of treatment for obesity is changing your lifestyle habits to incorporate healthier eating habits and more physical activity into your daily routine.

This includes following a balanced diet with wholesome foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while avoiding processed food and drinks high in sugar or saturated fats. In addition to eating right, regular exercise is important in managing weight by burning additional calories and promoting overall physical fitness.

Medication:
In certain cases where lifestyle modifications have not been effective in aiding weight loss efforts or if an individual has experienced difficulty making necessary lifestyle changes due to mental health issues or other circumstances, medication may be prescribed as part of an obesity treatment plan. Orlistat is a commonly prescribed drug that prevents dietary fat absorption by the body, thereby limiting caloric intake.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is another option for those whose obesity is severe enough to pose a significant risk to their health if not treated promptly.

The most common types of bariatric surgeries are gastric bypass procedures which reduce stomach size to limit food consumption while also rerouting digestion away from parts of the small intestine responsible for absorbing calories from food before it enters the large intestine where digestive processes take place normally, allowing fewer calories to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

These bariatric surgeries include gastric bypass, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), adjustable gastric banding (AGB), sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS).

Counselling Therapy

For some individuals dealing with obesity can involve more than just making simple changes in their diet and exercising regularly; it often includes dealing with underlying emotional issues related to self-image or mental health conditions like depression, which can contribute towards regaining weight after initial success has been achieved due to recidivism towards old habits driven by negative emotions associated with said issues.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is especially useful in these situations as it helps individuals understand why they have certain behaviors related to weight gain and develop strategies on how they can break out of this circle while providing them with vital support throughout this process, helping them stay positive throughout all stages of treatment.

In addition, nutritional counseling is highly recommended as it provides individuals with the necessary information to plan healthy meals and make better food choices while understanding the importance of regular exercise.

Benefits Of Seeking Treatment For Obesity

There are several benefits of seeking obesity treatment. Firstly, treatment can lead to significant weight loss, which has a range of positive health outcomes. For example, losing excess weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and certain cancers. Treatment can also improve existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, mobility, and energy levels.

Secondly, obesity treatment can help people feel more in control of their eating habits and improve their overall quality of life. Psychological effects such as low self-esteem and depression may be reduced as well.

In addition to physical health improvements, successful weight loss through treatment can improve mental health and social functioning.
Overall, obesity treatment can improve the overall health and well-being of individuals.

It is important to understand that successful weight loss requires commitment from both a medical team and the individual seeking treatment. With the right support and resources, individuals can achieve long-term success in overcoming obesity.

How To Know If You Need To Opt For Obesity Treatments?

Whether someone is a good fit for obesity treatment depends on several factors. These can include an individual’s BMI, the severity of their symptoms, any associated health risks, and their readiness to change their diet and lifestyle to achieve long-term weight loss.

Suppose you cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone or are at risk of developing related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. In that case, discussing your weight loss options with a doctor is very important.

Finally, if you feel overwhelmed by the challenges associated with obesity and need help managing lifestyle changes to reduce your weight, seeking treatment may be beneficial. But remember, ultimately, only a doctor can decide whether treatment is necessary.

How Can We At DOSS India Help You?

At DOSS India, we provide comprehensive treatments for obesity that are tailored to each individual’s needs. We understand how challenging it can be to lose weight and regain optimal health and the importance of having a team who can support you through this process.

We offer evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, dietary advice, physical activity programs, and medication. We also provide a range of support services to ensure you can confidently make lifestyle changes.

Our team of nutritionists, dietitians, physical therapists, and psychiatrists are dedicated to helping you reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively.

If you feel ready to take the next step towards better health, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being. Thank you!