- Underweight: BMI of less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 22.9
- Pre-obese (overweight): BMI between 23.0 and 27.5
- Obese: BMI of more than 27.5
Introduction
Being overweight or obese, may be defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, that can potentially present a risk to an individual’s health.
According to the recent figures from Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), approximately 36.2% of Singaporeans aged between 18 to 69 are overweight. What’s more, nearly 13% of students were found to be overweight as well.
Did you know?
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 reported that Singaporeans have the second-highest overweight prevalence in South East Asia
Signs & Symptoms
Knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) helps you make the right decisions to effective Weight Loss Treatment. As mandated by the Ministry of Health, you are overweight if your BMI is between 23.0 to 27.5, whereas a normal weight is defined as a BMI between 18.5 to 22.9. Here are more information on BMI standards in Singapore:
Causes
Being overweight or obese can put you at great risk of developing other life-threatening conditions. It is a prime trigger of a group of conditions referred to as metabolic syndrome.
These conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure and increased levels of cholesterol. While having any of these chronic conditions, you are likely to develop other diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.
According to a study by the Singapore Diseases Burden, obesity-related conditions shows the largest health impact in terms of costs and suffering. What’s more, it is the largest single contributing factor to the national disease burden of diabetes. On a social aspect, obesity not only impacts your body image, self-esteem, but can also result in psychological stress.
It is important to seek help for weight loss treatment early before the development of other life-threatening conditions. If you are currently suffering from weight-related conditions, weight loss treatment will not only help to prevent the conditions from worsening, but also help you achieve a healthier body.
Did you know? We also provide Health Screening!
Treatment
Weight Loss treatments comprises of a variety of techniques that may be applied simultaneously, which may require some form of determination to be successful. You may not only require lifestyle changes, diet, eating habits, but also feel the need to take part in some moderate physical activities.
These treatments also help you to design an effective diet and workout plan to enhance weight loss and achieve a healthier BMI.
These medications are only meant to boost your weight loss regimen. Below are some of the types of weight-loss medicines that can be used:
This denies access of carbohydrates fat into your bloodstream, hence reducing energy intake dramatically. Though it is safe, this medication can result in gastrointestinal symptoms including flatulence, bloating. increased bowel movements, diarrhea, and oily stools.
This is not suitable for individuals with existing medical concerns and also comes with side effects such as palpitations, lack of sleep, gastric discomforts, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, and high blood pressure. You may also develop tolerance with time, meaning it may stop functioning or become ineffective.
This can be used an adjunct to exercise and diet for weight loss and management. You may consider this option if you suffer from weight-related conditions, including obesity, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and type two diabetes. However, this is not ideal for those already on insulin treatment.
During the consultation, your doctor will have a look at your medical history, your activity level as well as your eating routine.
He may also opt to carry out blood tests to check for other medical conditions. A complete medical examination will be performed along with other vital health parameters such as your blood pressure and heart rate.
Weight Loss treatments will not only help to prevent the conditions from worsening, but also help you achieve a healthier body.
During your consultation with the doctor, the above options will be discussed with you to see which best suits your needs.
May 30, 2021
Weight Loss Treatment, Male/Female Doctor Consultation
Dr Eugena Tay