Obesity & Weight Management

Doctors, including endocrinologists, often use Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess an individual's weight category—whether underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. This assessment is crucial for diabetes management and overall hormonal health. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher denotes obesity.

If your BMI falls into the overweight or obese categories, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as an endocrinologist, for guidance on diabetes management and hormonal health. Obesity increases the risk of serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and it can lead to a shorter lifespan compared to individuals with a healthy weight.

Successful weight loss typically involves a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity, which is also important for diabetes management. It's essential to adopt a sustainable approach rather than relying on short-term diets. Studies have shown that various diets, such as the Atkins, Zone, or Weight Watchers, can be effective if they create a calorie deficit and are maintained over time. Consulting an endocrinologist can provide valuable insights into how these dietary changes can support your hormonal health. Similarly, increasing physical activity—like walking, dancing, or gardening—helps burn more calories and supports weight loss.

In some cases, healthcare providers, including endocrinologists, may recommend weight loss medications or surgery, particularly for individuals struggling with diabetes management when lifestyle changes alone haven't been effective. These medications may work by reducing appetite or altering how the body processes food, which can be crucial for maintaining hormonal health. Typically, these options are considered for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and above if they have related health conditions. 

Weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, tend to be more effective for long-term weight loss compared to medications and lifestyle changes alone. Studies have found that bariatric surgeries can result in about 30% weight loss one year post-operation, with patients maintaining a 25% weight loss for up to 10 years.

Considerations Before Surgery

Before opting for weight loss surgery, it's crucial to discuss with your doctor, especially if you have concerns related to diabetes management:

The expected amount of weight loss and the timeline.

Potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

Necessary lifestyle and dietary changes post-surgery.

The need for lifelong nutritional supplementation, as some surgeries can affect nutrient absorption, which is particularly important for hormonal health.

Remember, a comprehensive approach involving medical guidance from an endocrinologist, lifestyle changes, and, when appropriate, medical treatments can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

This generalised information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider.