Why diet and exercise sometimes aren’t enough for lasting weight loss
Although diet and exercise are essential aspects of solving obesity, the only option is to add weight loss surgery to this for many patients. This is because, in the long term, diet and exercise alone do not mean significant sustainable weight loss and continuous health improvement.
Most people can lose weight, but very few can keep it off in the long term without surgery. Surgery is not an ‘easy way out, but it gives people a realistic chance at long term success if they are serious about changing their lifestyle for the better.
It’s extremely important to start thinking about weight loss surgery options to help improve life quality and prevent obesity.
Some people have a predisposition to obesity and include factors such as:
1. Early life aspects:
The environment in the uterus and throughout the first few years of life can significantly influence the trajectory of weight gain.
2. Genetics:
Undoubtedly, genetics is a key aspect to understanding obesity. The heritability of obesity is reported to be 40-80%.
3. Health conditions:
Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), polycystic ovary syndrome (POS), and Cushing’s syndrome can all contribute to obesity. Medications for diabetes, antidepressants, and corticosteroids also influence obesity.
When you put these aspects into focus, obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic factor treatable by lifestyle factors alone. That’s why the World Health Organisation and many international medical bodies now recognise that obesity is a chronic medical disease.
At Dr Peter Hamer, we understand all the aspects and care about you.
Obesity needs to be respected and treated as a treatable disease.
Contact us on (02) 4380 8404 to chat to our friendly team to book your consultation appointment with Dr Peter Hamer and get your health back on track.
Resources
Source: World Health Organisation
www.who.int
