Author: Dr. Ajeesh T, Consultant Endocrinologist

Obesity Is a Medical Condition, Not Just a Lifestyle Issue

Obesity is now recognised as a chronic medical disease that affects metabolism, hormones, and overall health. It significantly increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver, sleep apnoea, and certain cancers. Early intervention under an experienced endocrinologist can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.

Understanding Obesity and BMI 

Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to assess obesity. For Indian and Asian populations, health risks begin at lower BMI levels due to higher visceral fat.

Asian BMI Classification: 

• 25–27.5 kg/m² – Overweight 
• 27.5–32.5 kg/m² – Obesity (Grade 1) 
• 32.5–37.5 kg/m² – Obesity (Grade 2) 
• 37.5 kg/m² – Severe Obesity

Early medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. 

Why Obesity Is Increasing?

Common contributing factors include:

• Sedentary lifestyle 
• High-calorie processed foods 
• Poor sleep patterns 
• Chronic stress 
• Alcohol use and smoking

These factors disrupt hormonal balance and slow metabolism, leading to progressive weight gain. 

Why Consult an Endocrinologist for Weight Loss?

Obesity is closely linked to hormonal and metabolic dysfunction. An endocrinologist can: 

• Identify underlying hormonal causes 
• Assess obesity-related conditions 
• Recommend safe, evidence-based medications 
• Create a personalised weight-loss plan

Medical Weight Loss: Is It Safe?

While diet and exercise remain essential, many people struggle to achieve sustainable weight loss with lifestyle changes alone. In such cases, medically supervised weight-loss treatments can be effective and safe. 

New-generation anti-obesity medications have significantly improved outcomes with better safety profiles compared to older drugs.

Advanced Weight-Loss Medications

Modern obesity treatment includes incretin-based therapies that help regulate appetite and metabolism.

Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist): 

• Reduces appetite and cravings 
• Improves satiety 
• Average weight loss: 15–20% 
• Once-weekly injection

Tirzepatide (Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist): 

• Enhances insulin sensitivity 
• Strong appetite suppression 
• Average weight loss: 20–25% 
• Once-weekly injection

These medications are prescribed only after medical evaluation and ongoing monitoring. 

Who Is Eligible for Medical Weight Loss?

•  BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² 
• BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or fatty liver

Common side effects: mild nausea or digestive discomfort, usually temporary. 

Not suitable for: patients with medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2 syndrome. 

Lifestyle Change Remains Essential 

Medications work best when combined with: 

• Regular physical activity 
• Balanced, calorie-controlled diet 
• Stress management 
• Adequate sleep 
• Continuous medical follow-up