Weight Loss

Men’s Health: Weight Loss in a Healthy Way

How common is Obesity?
The latest statistics from the Ministry of Health (MOH) indicated in 2017 that 36% of Singapore’s
population between the ages of 18 and 69 were overweight.

Why is weight loss important?

Obesity exacerbates a particular group of medical conditions.

Obesity negatively impacts a classification of conditions commonly referred to as metabolic syndrome. This group includes conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

These conditions in turn predispose people to develop diseases that include heart attacks, heart disease, peripheral vascular diseases, and strokes.

 Obesity is a national health epidemic. The Singapore Burden of Diseases study revealed that obesity-linked diseases have a colossal impact on the nation’s collective health in terms of cost and suffering.

It is also the most significant contributor to diabetes on a national level. Socially, obesity can negatively impact your body image and self-esteem, causing stress and anxiety.

Body Weight Dynamics Explained

Weight loss or gain can be clarified with the caloric balance concept i.e. input vs output. If you use more energy than you consume from food, you will inevitably lose weight. If you burn 500 more calories than your daily intake, you will lose approximately 2 kilograms per month. However, a healthy change in diet and more exercise can increase your caloric deficit. Your doctor will guide you and provide you with the specifics of your weight loss plan.

What can I expect at my consultation?

Firstly, your doctor will ask you questions about your past medical history, your exercise routine, and eating habits. Your doctor may recommend that you have the following blood tests done:

• Blood sugar
• Thyroid test
• Blood cholesterol

These tests are important since weight gain may be a symptom of a serious medical issue.

Your doctor may also do a body assessment where your measurement will be taken. The circumference of your waist, neck, and arms will be measured. Also, any excess skin (fat hold) that you may have will also be measured. Your vital signs i.e. your blood pressure and heart rate will be recorded.

Weight Loss Treatment

The key to treating obesity successfully is to attack the issue from several angles at the same time. It also requires your full commitment and determination to succeed. The most natural and effective way to lose weight is to adjust your lifestyle, eating habits, and exercise routine. Your doctor will collaborate with you to put together an exercise regime and diet plan. If you require medication, it will be prescribed on an as-needed basis.

Weight Loss Medications

It is important to note that medications are used in conjunction with your weight loss plan. It is not a magical solution to weight gain concerns. Below is a list of weight loss medications and what you can expect from them.

There are medications which prevents fat absorption into the body. It works by ensuring that fat remains in the gut instead of being absorbed into your bloodstream. As such your energy levels will be lower. While this medication is safe to use, you may experience the following side effects- diarrhea, oily stools, more bowel movements, and gas.

Another kind of medication works by preventing carbohydrates from being absorbed into the body. Your energy intake will decrease since the carbohydrate will remain in the gut. This medication is quite safe but it does cause flatulence and bloating.

Another type of meidcaiton suppresses your appetite and boosts your metabolism. However, it causes side effects that include nausea, palpitations, insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Some people may also experience gastric discomfort. Unfortunately, with prolonged use some people build a tolerance for it, rendering it less effective. This medication may not be appropriate for people who have pre-existing medical conditions.

There is another approved weight management medication that is used with diet and exercise. It inhibits hunger neurons and makes you feel satisfied. This medication attaches itself to the receptors of the arcuate nucleus in your brain’s hypothalamus. As such you consume less and lose weight. This medication is suitable for persons who suffer from type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. It also actively helps to keep the weight off. 

Follow up Appointments

In order to ensure your weight loss efforts continue to be successful, regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled. Your doctor will monitor your weight loss, check for medication side effects, and do a physical. You may need to do repeat blood tests if your doctor thinks they are necessary.

Reach out to us who are committed to helping you reach your weight loss goals.