Is obesity a disease?

Many people think that obesity is caused by diet, not a disease. But according to doctors, obesity is a chronic disease and a 'precursor' to several other illnesses.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Digestive Surgery and Head of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Military Central Hospital 108: many people don't think of obesity as a disease, merely as a result of diet, lifestyle, and exercise. However, obesity is considered a chronic disease by medical professionals, and it is linked to many other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Anh Tuan believes that in treating obesity, doctors and medical staff need to have empathy and share the feelings of patients.

PHOTO: V.TRANG

This information was shared on the care and management of obesity, organized by Novo Nordisk Vietnam in collaboration with doctors and experts from Vietnam and abroad, at a workshop held in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of June 21st.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan Trong stated that over the past decade, the rate of increase in obesity in Vietnam has been quite high, rising from 8.5% to 19% (among people aged 5-19), with urban areas experiencing a higher rate than rural areas (nearly 27% compared to over 18%). This rate is projected to continue increasing in the coming years.

Dr. Georgia Rigas, an obesity specialist from Australia, stated that Europeans, Chinese, and others have high obesity rates; in Australia, the frequency of obesity is also higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Vietnam is considered to have a rapidly increasing obesity rate in recent years compared to other countries in the region.

According to experts, in addition to dietary and exercise factors, obesity can also be caused by genetics…

"Obesity is a gateway to many other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes... The Asian Obesity Research Association considers obesity a disease, and it affects the body's functions, disrupting various organs," said Dr. Georgia Rigas.

Dr. Georgia Rigas notes that many obese people feel ashamed and also face stigma from some. Obesity management should not only focus on weight loss, but also on improving overall quality of life and minimizing health complications. Early screening for obesity-related complications is crucial, along with identifying the root causes of obesity and addressing them effectively with evidence-based therapies, just like with other chronic diseases.

According to Dr. Georgia Rigas, it is necessary to minimize health complications for obese patients.

PHOTO: V.TRANG

Professor and Doctor Nguyen Anh Tuan stated that there are three levels to treating obesity: counseling and guiding patients on diet, exercise, and lifestyle; medical treatment (with medication); and surgery – the final step if the first two treatments are ineffective.

Obesity surgery is an intervention on the digestive system, not liposuction. It involves interventions on the stomach and small intestine to reduce feelings of hunger and constant cravings, thereby reducing food intake, decreasing absorption, and promoting a feeling of fullness, while maintaining the patient's health.

"In treating obesity, doctors and healthcare workers need to be empathetic, talk to, and share with patients, because many people feel ashamed, insecure, and withdrawn when they are obese," said Professor and Doctor Nguyen Anh Tuan.

During her visit to Vietnam from June 20-25, Dr. Georgia Rigas shared her expertise with over 800 healthcare professionals. The program focused on developing a standardized obesity management model, updating the relationship between obesity and related diseases, and presenting typical clinical cases and approaches to obesity management in primary healthcare.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/beo-phi-co-phai-la-benh-18525062119322023.htm