We live in an obesogenic world – where foods and drinks are readily available, portion sizes have become larger and there’s more processed food in the market and at home than ever.
The result – Global prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals with alarming statistics. This has led to multifaceted challenges faced both by individuals and the healthcare system.
The treatment of obesity too is laden with several challenges, reflecting the complex nature of the condition. This blog discusses some of the prominent challenges faced during the treatment of obesity and overweight and strategies that can help solve the issue.
1. Genetic Predisposition
Obesity is a complex, heritable trait, with more than 50 genes associated with the condition. This poses a major challenge in treating obesity as a treatment approach that works for one may not work for another. Tailored treatment plans by a board-certified obesity medicine physician, like Dr. Lala, are required.
As a certified coach, Dr. Lala possesses the expertise to understand the unique genetic and physiological makeup of each patient. By leveraging this knowledge, she can craft personalized interventions that go beyond generic prescriptions and can help even obese people quickly lose weight.
2. Body Adaptation
Obesity is a classic example of “prevention is always better than cure”. That’s because once you become obese, your body enters its autopilot mode; it strives to maintain the established weight, creating a physiological resistance to losing weight. This inherent resistance can manifest in various ways, such as increased hunger, slowed metabolism, and a heightened propensity to store fat.
This autopilot mode is also a significant contributor to the high relapse rates. Many individuals find it challenging to sustain weight loss over an extended period due to these complex physiological responses. That’s why, switching to a healthy diet is important for long-term weight management. It is also a more effective strategy for managing our body weight than yo-yo dieting once we’ve already become overweight.
3. Lifestyle Related Complexities
Every individual is different and so are his lifestyle choices. A range of factors impact your wight loss goals. This includes poor diet, lack of physical activity, insufficient or poor-quality sleep, chronic stress, substance abuse, lack of work-life balance, and more.
Encouraging and sustaining lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet and exercise, is crucial for long-term success. However, motivating individuals to adhere to these changes amidst societal and environmental pressures can be challenging.
4. Medical Intervention Risks
Medical interventions, including pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, may carry inherent risks and potential side effects. Balancing the benefits of these interventions with the associated risks poses a complex decision-making challenge for healthcare professionals and patients.
5. Psychological Factors
The psychological aspects of obesity, such as emotional eating, body image issues, and societal stigma, significantly impact treatment outcomes. Addressing these psychological factors requires a nuanced approach that only a certified physician can provide. These approaches extend beyond fad diets and meal plans available on the internet.
6. Limited Access to Resources
Though the internet is flooded with health tips and advice, access to resources, especially in terms of nutritious food options, safe spaces for physical activity, and healthcare services, remains a critical challenge for many. This limited access affects individuals in underserved communities, creating barriers to adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
Socio-economic inequalities further compound this issue, as individuals with fewer financial resources may struggle to access fresh, wholesome foods or engage in physical activities.
Tackling limited access to resources requires comprehensive efforts, including community-based initiatives, policy changes, and targeted interventions to bridge the gap and promote equitable access to the essentials for a healthy lifestyle.
7. Stigma and Bias
Stigma and bias associated with obesity can create barriers to seeking and receiving appropriate medical care. Overcoming societal perceptions and fostering a supportive environment is crucial for effective treatment.
8. Underlying Health Conditions
Obesity is often associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. It is important to manage these comorbidities while addressing obesity. This adds complexity to the treatment process; teaming up with a certified physician is crucial to creating a treatment plan that’s both safe and effective.
The Bottom Line
Obesity is a chronic health condition that demands immediate attention and tailored treatment approaches. Partnering with a certified healthcare practitioner is important to addressing the complexity of obesity and designing effective, personalized interventions.
At Kinetix Medical Weight Loss and Wellness, our board-certified obesity medicine physician, Dr. Lala, specializes in comprehensive obesity management. Through a holistic approach and personalized treatment plans, she creates customized diets and exercise routines that can help you safely lose weight.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable weight loss, connect with our experienced team at Kinetix today! Your path to a healthier, happier life begins with us.
