Obesity and treatment options
Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excess amount of body fat, which can significantly impact health and well-being. It is commonly measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation based on a person's weight and height.
The BMI breakdowns are as follows:
A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates overweight,
while a BMI of 30 or above signifies obesity.
Obesity itself is further categorized into three stages:
Class I (BMI 30-34.9),
Class II (BMI 35-39.9), and
Class III or severe obesity (BMI 40 and above).
In the UK, the approach to treating obesity is multi-faceted, aiming to reduce health risks and improve quality of life. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes: This is the first line of defense against obesity and includes dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and behavior changes. Support from dietitians and fitness professionals can be crucial.
Medications: There are several prescription drugs available that can help manage obesity by reducing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness. These are typically prescribed when lifestyle changes alone have not been effective and the patient's BMI is 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
Surgery: For those with a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with serious coexisting medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, bariatric surgery may be an option. This includes procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding, which are designed to restrict food intake and, in some cases, the absorption of nutrients. You can read more about these here.
Eligibility for each of these treatments depends on various factors, including the individual’s BMI, overall health status, and the presence of obesity-related conditions. If you’d like to discuss the available options privately, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll arrange a friendly chat with one of our consultants.
