What is OBESITY

Overweight & Obesity are accumulation of excessive fat due to an imbalance between energy (food ) intake and expenditure.

 

Why should I worry about excessive weight?

Complications or diseases due to obesity

 

1. Cardiovascular System - -Hypertension

- Coronary Artery Disease

-Heart Failure

2. Type II Diabetes Mellitus

3. Cancer

4. Gall Bladder Diseases

5. Sleep Apnea

6. Joint Problems - Arthritis , Gout

7. Endocrine System Abnormalities.

8. Venous Circulatory Disease - Varicose veins

9. Psychological Disturbances - Poor Self Image.

 

 

 

MEASURES OF OBESITY

 

BODY MASS INDEX

 

BMI is a tool calculated from persons height and weight , and use to analyze and determine whether he/she is over weight , underweight or is healthy.

Body Mas Index is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilograms) of a person by his height in meters squared.

 

BMI = Weight [kg] / Height [m^2]

 

 

SEVERITY OF OBESITY

 

 

Know Your BMI

 

 

 

 

SOLUTIONS FOR OBESITY

 

There are several methods available to address morbid obesity.

 

a. Behaviour Modification , Physical Activity and Dietary Changes.

 

A few suggested behaviour modifications include:

- Changing eating habits

- Increasing physical activity

- Engaging in a outdoor sports and extra curricular activity

- Setting realistic weight management goals.

 

b. Drug Treatment

 

A significant amount of Weight loss can be achieved with the help of certain drugs to be taken under supervision of Physician. As with all drugs there are side effects rendering them unsuitable for some patients.However if a patient is able to tolerate the drugs it may be a useful approach when patient does not want to undergo a surgical procedure or is unfit for surgery.

 

c. Surgical Options

 

1. LIPOSUCTION

2. BARIATRIC SURGERY

3. BODY CONTOURING

 

1. LIPOSUCTION

 

LIPOSUCTION

 

Liposuction is the removal of fat deposit from the body through very tiny holes.It is frequently performed to reduce fat in the hips, thighs, abdomen , upper arms and other areas .

The immediate benefits of liposuction can be both physical and mental. The greatest mental benefit is that the patient gains an incredible boost of self esteem due to greatly improved body image.

 

 

 

 

Liposuction is suitable for moderate obesity (BMI < 35 and preferably without any co-morbities)

 

 

 

 

read more....

 

 

 

 

 

2. BODY CONTOURING SURGERY

 

 

Body contouring after major weight loss is almost like having your clothing (your skin) tailored and resized to fit your new body.

 

Body Contouing Options After extreme Weight Loss

 

- Liposuction Removes remaining fatty tissues from the hips , thighs and abdomen

- Tummy Tuck removes excessive skin and also tightens the abdominal muscles

- A plastic surgeon can lift and reshape various parts of the body to create smoother, tighter contours like Arm Lift , Thigh Lift and Butt Lift.

- Breast Lift and Augmentation helps restore natural breast volume and lift the bustline after weight loss.

 

Before & After Images Below

 

                         

 

 

Before & After Below

 

 

read more...

 

3. BARIATRIC SURGERY

 

Bariatric Surgery either limit the amont of food a patient can take or reduce the ability of the patient to digest and absorb food. A third approach may be the combination of both.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Adjustable Gastric Banding (also known as the LAP - BAND )

In this procedure, a hollow band made of silicone rubber is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the rest of the stomach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Capacity of stomach is restricted by converting the stomach into a narrow tubular structure . It generates rapid weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten without any bypass of the intestines or malabsorbtion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Duodenal Switch/Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD)

It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten (partial gastrectomy).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB)

This operation is a combination of restrictive and malabsorbtive procedure. It is most commonly performed procedure and considered as gold standard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

 

Physical activity is very essential for weight loss. Getting started on a gradual excercise and physical activity plan is a very important part of a weight loss program .

A consistent exercise or activity plan aids in reaching and maintaining an optimal weight loss, as well as helping to :

 

- Tone your muscles .

- Increase your energy.

- Boost your metabolism.

- Tighten loose skin caused by rapid weight loss.

- Decrease risk of Cardiac Disease.

- Lower blood pressure.

- Make you feel better.

 

A moderate exercise for 30-60 min per day is recommended for weight reduction.

 

DIETARY MODIFICATIONS

 

A nutritionally balanced , low calorie diet is recommended for weight loss. It should also be high in fiber along with adequate amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

 

TIPS FOR HEALTHY DIETING

 

- Limit intake of refined foods

- Avoid Junk Foods

- Avoid red meats

- Reduce consumption of simple sugars

- Increase intake of whole grain cereals

- Increase intake of fiber

- Increase consumption of green leafy vegetables

- Prefer whole fruit to juices.

 

 

 

DIETARY MODIFICATIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

 

SURGERY

 

About 10% weight loss is recommended prior to surgery, which should be started 2-3 months before surgery.

 

PRE- OPERATIVE DIET

 

A low calorie, low carbohydrate, low fat and high protein diet is advised to such patients.

 

 

 

 

 

The objectives of such diet are :

- To reduce weight and decrease the risk of complications .

- To reduce the size of the liver, this shortens the operating time.

- To reduce body fat especially around abdomen.

- To preserve lean body mass.

- To prepare the body for post surgery recovery.

 

POST - OPERATIVE DIET

 

Proteins become a major part of the diet after surgery. Post Operative diet is divided in to the following phases:

 

1. Clear liquid diet

2. Full liquid diet.

3. Pureed diet

4. Soft foods , regular diet.

 

 

 

 

After 3 months, one can progress to eating regular foods - taking three small meals and three healthy snacks a day. Meals will focus on lean sources of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with vitamin and mineral supplements for life, to compensate for the nutrients that are no longer able to absorb through the bypassed parts of the stomach and intestine.