Fighting obesity

With our love for food and the culture of entertaining guests with food and lack of exercise, it comes as no surprise that Malaysia is the most obese nation in Southeast Asia with over 50% of Malaysians being overweight. According to Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Consultant Surgeon Dr Pok Eng Hong, today, obesity is not just an image problem. Excessive fat in the body can be caused by genetic, environmental, and social factors and it is a chronic disease that requires treatment. This condition severely affects quality of life and is associated with health problems including high blood pressure, infertility, joint pain, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

According to Dr Pok, like any disease, obesity requires intervention and should not be ignored. Diet and exercise are often the first step to control weight. However, the majority of patients regain weight that is lost a few years after such treatment and find it difficult to maintain these programmes in the long term.

He said in recent years, bariatric for weight loss surgery has come to the forefront of treatment due to long-term benefits. These procedures are performed through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach which results in less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.

“An experienced surgeon can evaluate a person’s condition, fitness, and diet to decide the most suitable treatment for their needs. After a bariatric surgery, the patient is encouraged to form good eating habits and have an active lifestyle to maintain good health,"

said Dr Pok.

This is especially important for children, as overweight children are more likely to grow up as overweight adults, and are at risk of diabetes, stroke, cancer, and osteoarthritis despite their age. Parents can prevent their children from becoming overweight by leading a healthy lifestyle, as children often learn by example.

“As with all health conditions, obesity can be treated. Today’s treatments are safe and effective, targeting the root cause of the problem. Should you need assistance to overcome your weighty woes, visit a trusted doctor to discover the many options available,” Dr Pok added.

Today’s treatments are safe and effective, targeting the root cause of the problem. Should you need assistance to overcome your weighty woes, visit a trusted doctor to discover the many options available.