Obesity is a chronic disease that requires proper, long-term management. It is not just about excess weight, but also about its wide-ranging impact on overall health. If left unmanaged, obesity can lead
to several serious complications such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dr Vahid S. Bharmal, Consultant, Adult & Paediatric Endocrinologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, shares all you need to know:
Weight Loss is Key, But It Must Be Done Right
Weight loss plays a crucial role in preventing and managing obesity-related complications. However, it should always be achieved in a proper and scientific manner, under expert guidance.
Effective obesity management involves:
Lifestyle modifications
Pharmacotherapy, when required
Bariatric surgery in selected cases
All these approaches must be evidence-based and tailored to the individual.
What is the Ideal Weight Loss?
A common mistake people make is aiming for rapid weight loss. However, the ideal and safe target is:
2.5–3 kg per month
Up to 3–5 kg per month is acceptable
Losing more than 5 kg per month consistently can be risky and is not recommended.
Risks of Rapid Weight Loss
Excessively fast weight loss can lead to several health issues, including:
Significant muscle loss
Increased risk of gallstone formation
Menstrual irregularities in women
Decreased bone mineral density
Such outcomes can negatively impact overall health rather than improve it.
Why Diet-Only Weight Loss Can Backfire
When rapid weight loss is achieved only through dietary restriction:
Hunger hormone levels increase
Metabolic rate decreases significantly
This combination makes it easier for the body to regain weight, leading to poor long-term results.
The Right Approach to Obesity Management
Obesity must always be managed in a scientific and evidence-based manner. Quick fixes and rapid weight loss strategies may seem appealing but are often unsustainable and potentially harmful.
One should never rush weight loss over a few months, as it can be detrimental to health and rarely provides lasting results.
Managing obesity is not about speed, it is about sustainability and safety. A structured, medically guided approach ensures not only weight loss but also long-term health benefits and prevention of complications.
