Kuala Lampur:More than half of Malaysian adults are overweight or obese, necessitating a comprehensive approach to weight management beyond traditional dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist Dr. Mak Woh Wei highlighted the potential use of medical interventions such as GLP-1-based weight-management medicines and bariatric surgery. These treatments, tailored to individual patient conditions, complement healthy lifestyle habits.
Dr. Mak explained that GLP-1 is a hormone produced by the body, especially after eating, which helps regulate appetite, food intake, and blood sugar levels. Medications targeting the GLP-1 pathway enhance these effects, making individuals feel fuller longer and reducing hunger and cravings. Despite their benefits, these medications are not a quick fix for weight loss. They require careful consideration of the patient's BMI, existing health conditions, and treatment goals.
Additionally, these treatments must be administered under medical supervision to manage potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Dr. Mak emphasized the importance of monitoring patients to ensure the appropriateness of treatment and to manage any side effects effectively.
SMCV Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgeon Dr. Mohanarajah Silvarajah added that bariatric surgery might be considered when non-surgical treatments have not yielded sufficient weight loss or improvements in obesity-related diseases. He noted that surgery decisions are based on various factors, including the severity and duration of obesity and the patient's overall health status.
Two common bariatric procedures, sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, operate through different mechanisms to restrict food intake and induce metabolic changes. Although generally safe, these surgeries come with risks such as nutritional deficiencies and require lifelong vitamin supplementation and regular medical follow-up.
Dr. Mohan emphasized that obesity treatment is focused on improving health rather than merely reducing weight. Meaningful weight loss can lead to improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. He stressed that modern obesity treatment is personalized, with some individuals benefiting from lifestyle changes alone, while others may require medication or surgery. The key is to choose a sustainable treatment plan with professional guidance.