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Obesity is more complicated than just overeating. Multiple factors contribute to the condition, making it a complex problem to solve.
It’s a chronic disease that requires long-term, structured management. Unfortunately, obesity is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
It’s understandable, given the societal stigma of obesity, to feel offended if your doctor raises the issue of weight. But your doctor isn’t trying to shame you—obesity is a legitimate health concern that can lead to serious problems like diabetes.
It’s a sensitive topic. But if you need to lose weight and aren’t sure how to do it or have tried everything you can think of without success, involve your physician. Doctors understand the science behind weight loss and can be valuable partners in finding a solution that works for you.
In Episode 60, Dr. G and his guests Neha Shah, MD, and Ryan Headley, MD, discuss obesity treatment options and answer frequently asked questions about weight loss.
Guests
Myths vs. Facts
“Obesity is a chronic disease and requires longer-term, structured and multidisciplinary management.” - Fact
"Weight loss surgery patients have serious health problems caused by vitamin deficiencies.” – Myth
When patients follow the nutrition plan laid out by their physician, they’re at a very low risk for vitamin deficiency.
“Gastric bypass surgery is the fastest weight loss procedure while vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the most widely used and safest in the bariatric world.” – Myth
Gastric bypass may not cause more rapid weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy. A lot of the outcome depends on the individual. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most performed procedure.
“Weight loss surgery is a “cop-out” and to lose weight, people with obesity should just go on a diet and exercise.” – Myth
One of the biggest misconceptions is that weight loss is a willpower issue, and that surgery is simply treating weight loss by restriction.
“Treatments that are advertised as non-surgical or non-invasive can be quite complex and painful.” – Fact
Medication may not fall in that category, but liposuction and freezing fat can be painful and potentially disfiguring. They also don’t provide a metabolic benefit.
“Eat healthy, stay active, be smoke-free and limit alcohol use to hit your weight loss goals.” – Fact
These lifestyle factors are the foundation of weight loss. But sometimes people need more support to meet their weight loss goals, and that’s when medication and surgery come in.
“Alcohol sensitivity is increased after weight loss surgery so that the effects of alcohol are felt with fewer drinks than before surgery.” – Fact
Regardless of the operation or weight loss there’s a massive change after bariatric surgery.
“In addition to its ability to treat obesity, weight loss surgery is very effective in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol, among many other diseases.” - Fact
Weight loss surgery is one of the best things you can do as far as decreasing the risk of these comorbid conditions.
Listener healthy OH-YEAH!
“Getting a microdermabrasion on Monday because I work hard for everyone and not putting myself first as needed. Thanks for the reminder, Dr. G!” – A.W.
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