Combined Medical & Surgical Obesity Treatment

Understanding Obesity and Its Impact

Obesity is a complex medical condition characterised by excess body fat that can impact nearly every aspect of health and quality of life. Diagnosis starts with discussing a patient’s health and disease burden, may include cheking body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Beyond its impact on physical health, obesity can lead to serious psychological and social challenges. Left untreated, it raises the risk for a range of severe conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and joint disorders, making comprehensive treatment essential.

Obesity in Australia

In Australia, obesity rates have steadily increased, with recent studies revealing that nearly 67% of adults have overweight or obesity. This growing health crisis has highlighted the need for accessible and effective treatments to combat obesity and its related health impacts. Combined medical and surgical treatments are particularly beneficial for Australians dealing with long-term or severe obesity, providing a tailored solution that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition.

Combined Obesity Treatment

For individuals with obesity, particularly severe or chronic cases, a combined approach of medical and surgical treatment is often the most effective. This integrated method addresses obesity from multiple angles: it combines lifestyle and dietary changes with advanced medical therapies and, when necessary, minimally invasive bariatric surgery. Combined treatment is highly personalised, recognising that each patient has unique health needs, lifestyles, and challenges.

Symptoms of Obesity

Common symptoms of obesity include:

Difficulty controlling hunger, snacking, and/or meal sizes
Distracting and troublesome thoughts about food (also called food noise)
Fatigue and difficulty with physical activity
Shortness of breath and sleep-related issues like sleep apnea
Metabolic issues such as pre-diabetes or diabetes
Problems with blood pressure and/or cholesterol
Polycysitic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility
Metabolic Associated Liver Disease (also called fatty liver disease)
Back and joint pain
Increased body fat (as can be shown by high waist circumference or body mass index – BMI)
Low self-esteem or mental health struggles, often due to social stigma

Causes of Obesity

Obesity can stem from a variety of factors, mainly related to genetics and the effect of the modern environment. Underlying medical conditions and medications can also play an important role as can a sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diet, and metabolic issues. Examples include:

Genetics: Family history can influence body weight and metabolism.
Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle and high-calorie diets contribute significantly to weight gain.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can predispose individuals to obesity.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and corticosteroids, may lead to weight gain.
Psychological Factors: Emotional eating, stress, and mental health conditions like depression can drive weight gain.

Diagnostic Tests

Waist Circumference and BMI Calculation: Simple tools to assess obesity, but insufficient by themselves to assess risk and guide treatment.
Blood Tests: To check for obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Liver Function Tests: Often performed to detect liver damage, commonly linked to obesity.
Cardiac Screening: To evaluate cardiovascular risks related to excess weight.
Sleep Study: For assessing conditions like sleep apnea that are frequently associated with obesity.
Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging like an abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to assess fat distribution and organ health.

Complications Associated with Obesity

Obesity can lead to several health complications, including:

Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and heart attacks
Sleep apnoea and breathing difficulties
Arthritis and joint pain due to excess weight
Liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Treatments for Obesity

The combined medical and surgical approach to obesity treatment includes:

Lifestyle Changes: Structured diet plans and supervised exercise regimens.
Medical Management: Prescription medications that aid in weight loss by suppressing appetite or blocking fat absorption.
Surgical Treatment: Bariatric procedures like gastric sleeve surgery or bypass help reduce food intake and promote long-term weight management.

This combined treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s needs and may evolve over time.

For more information or to book a consultation with Dr Craven, please call us on (03) 9852 3777 or email us at info@dralexcraven.com.au.

Dr Alex Craven Provides Specialised Care In

Surgery for Obesity

Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

General Surgery

Endoscopy

Weight and Obesity Control

Frequently Asked Questions

Is obesity always caused by overeating?

NO. While diet plays a role, genetics, environment, and hormonal factors can contribute to obesity.

When is surgery recommended for obesity?

Surgery is typically considered for individuals with a BMI over 40 or those with a BMI over 35 who have obesity-related health conditions.

Will I need to follow a strict diet after surgery?

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to ensure long-term success after bariatric surgery, but strict diets are not necessary.

How long will it take to see results with a combined approach?

Results vary, but many patients start to see health improvements within a few months.

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Combined Medical and Surgical Obesity Treatment