OBESITY has got its own medical problems. Apart from cosmetic appearances and social problems, obese persons can have diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems, sleep apnoea, joint problems and back problems. All these problems become much more pronounced in obese patients.
It's very unhealthy to be obese. Earlier it was considered as a superficial cosmetic problem, but today it has become an epidemic in the society. Even doctors are finding it difficult to treat obesity, Indian experts said in a private TV channel program.
There has been a lot of research, that shows obesity is like a disease and we have to treat it in a very professional and scientific manner, said Dr P.K. Chowbey Chairman, Department of Minimal Access Surgery Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.
To a question if an overweight person comes to a centre and says, "I am overweight what can I do about it?" Where do the doctors start?, another expert Mrs. Vandana Luthra, Chairperson of 'Curls and Curves' said," First of all the concept of weight loss is conveyed to the person. We tell them exactly what is the scientific way to lose weight.
"When a person comes to us he is totally ignorant. He is probably suffering from a medical problem because of obesity. So first of all they have to be guided in the right direction and a focus has to be given to them. We emphasise more on the quality of food, a balanced meal, which is high in fibre, low in fat and which has carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins. We want people to eat everything, we don't want to put them on any appetite suppressants or any drugs u and lead to a very natural weight loss.
She said it is wrong notion that poor are overweight and the rich are slim. Obesity is a common thing amongst people and we get people from all income groups, she added.
Mrs. Luthra said weight maintenance is a very important part of weight loss programme. The specialists use to modify the diet of the patient, but don't give any appetite suppressants, artificial food packets or drugs. For everybody it's very difficult to maintain the weight.
Most people who lose weight regain it after sometime, Dr Chowbey said to a question about using pills to maintain weight loss. "No the people should not take pills. Pills are for a short period of time. They have side effects. So it is better that they stay under medical supervision.
When asked if is it advisable to take drugs to lose weight? Dr Chowbey said the drugs may be harmful. They have side effects.
Asked what will you advise people who fail to lose weight by natural ways?, Dr Chowbey said," They generally fail because they want to take a shortcut. They don't want to work for losing weight.
When a caller said his blood pressure is increasing and also suffers from diabetes and arthritis, how he could reduce weight, Dr Chowbey replied that here the role of laparoscopic surgery comes in. "Though the conventional and open surgery is available for obesity, these have now been modified into the laparoscopic surgery." When Mrs. Luthra was asked if different diets and exercises are given to different individuals? For example if a 60-year-old man wants to lose weight and a 20-year old girl wants to lose weight, she told that: every weight loss programme is very personalised.
"You cannot do it for everybody. Before asking them anything, we have motivate them and counsel them and then understand their requirements. A counselling involves a lot of motivation and encouragement because obese people are de-motivated and depressed. We have to motivate and counsel these people constantly and then tell them exactly what is the right kind of programme for them.