Obesity is a chronic medical disease. For many of our patients, it is not treatable through diet and exercise alone.
Obesity-related studies have found exercise to result in weight loss of about 3kg (or less) with slightly better results for low calorie diets.
Though diet especially is an essential component of our approach to solving obesity, for the majority of patients we see who are suitable for weight loss surgery, diet and exercise alone have proven ineffective in reducing their weight significantly and/or long-term.
“Although lifestyle modifications may result in lasting weight loss in individuals who are overweight, in those with chronic obesity, body weight seems to become biologically ‘stamped in’ and defended.”
Dr. Christopher Ochner – Author and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
The reasons why some people have a predisposition to obesity include factors such as:
- Genetics, with the heritability of obesity reported to be 40–80%.
- Health conditions, particularly hormone problems such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Cushing’s syndrome.
- Medications, including some diabetes medications, antidepressants and corticosteroids.
- Early life factors, beginning with the environment in utero and throughout the first few years of life which can significantly influence the trajectory of weight gain.
Because of this, obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue that is only caused and treatable by lifestyle factors alone. The World Health Organization and many international medical bodies now recognise that obesity is a chronic medical disease.
At Sea Change Weight Loss Clinic, we understand and appreciate this. Obesity needs to be respected and treated as a disease.
Together with GPs, dietitians, psychologists and nurses, we take a holistic approach to weight management and the surgical treatment of obesity. We believe a holistic approach is the key to long-term success.
If you have a BMI over 35 and have found diet and exercise to be ineffective in reducing your weight over the long-term, please contact us to discuss how we can help. You can also calculate your BMI here.
