OBESITY is a complex and challenging condition that is rising around the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, one in eight people globally were living with obesity, amounting to 890 million individuals.
What is alarming is that the incidence of obesity among adults has doubled worldwide in the last three decades, while the prevalence among adolescents has quadrupled in the same period.
While obesity is commonly associated with men, its occurrence in women has been unrecognised, but on the rise and expected to escalate significantly in the next decade based on current projections, says consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Muniswaran Ganeshan.
According to WHO, in 2016, over 40 per cent of women aged 18 and above were living with overweight, and approximately 15 per cent were living with obesity.
In Malaysia, one in two women are living with overweight or obesity. In fact, obesity rates are higher among women than men. The reason behind this is due to a combination of biological, behavioural and sociological factors, including childbirth, gender inequalities and roles, cultural values and even gut biomes, explains Dr Muniswaran, a maternal foetal medicine consultant and president of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia.
"From a psychological standpoint, the stigma associated with obesity can result in diminished self-esteem, anxiety, stress and mood disorders. This emotional strain is often intensified by societal expectations and unrealistic body image ideals, which significantly affect women's mental health," he says.
Consequently, it is imperative that we shift the dialogue on obesity to an alternative viewpoint, focusing on the modern concept of "healthy weight", he adds.
UNDERSTANDING OBESITY
Obesity is not merely a lifestyle choice or the consequence of energy imbalances in terms of inadequate diet or exercise. It is a chronic, enduring inflammation with metabolic consequences, frequently misconstrued and can be challenging to address without proper understanding, support and multi-disciplinary interventions.
"People living with obesity are not in that condition because of what they do or didn't do. It's a complex interplay of various factors, ranging from genes to socioeconomic, cultural and environmental elements."
Additionally, people living with obesity struggle to lose weight and that's not due to a lack of willpower. Weight loss is not just about "eat less and move more", explains Dr Muniswaran.
STOP THE STIGMA
Dr Muniswaran stresses the importance of avoiding stigmatisation of patients and instead focusing on empowering them to embrace change and embark on a journey towards a healthier self.
The conversation should revolve around constructive approaches to attaining a healthy weight and the benefits of doing so. Positive terms and phrases should be used, he adds instead of shaming individuals grappling with weight management.
Healthcare experts should take the lead in initiating these conversations to help improve women's health. He also notes that patients often feel relieved and supported when their healthcare providers initiate conversations about weight management. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in their journey towards better health.
So, why not take the first step?
Dr Muniswaran says obstetricians and gynaecologists play an especially crucial role in improving the landscape of obesity management, particularly for women.
Given their unique position in women's healthcare, they are often the first point of contact for women seeking help with weight-related issues, which are often associated with gynaecological and obstetric complications.
They can provide essential guidance on the health risks associated with obesity, encompassing complications related to reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth, birth control, and chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
By integrating obesity management into routine gynaecological care, we can identify at-risk women early and initiate timely holistic interventions, he says.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant clinical benefits of weight loss. These benefits extend beyond physical appearance, positively impacting overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving quality of life.
"To provide holistic care, we must treat women as a whole, not just the symptoms or the disease," says Dr Muniswaran.
We must move beyond the outdated notion that managing obesity is solely the patient's responsibility or requires a designated expert.
By creating a supportive healthcare environment where all healthcare professionals are empowered and are knowledgeable, we can work together with patients to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity Facts
• Addressing obesity is the first step towards building a healthy nation.
• More women are living with obesity compared to men.
• Mothers living with obesity are at risk of having complicated pregnancies and childbirth.
• Paternal and maternal obesity are both linked to childhood obesity.
• Inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention are common causes of obesity among mothers.
• A five to 10 per cent reduction in weight has positive health and life implications.
• Managing obesity is not as simple as eating less and moving more.
Effective weight management involves a holistic approach incorporating diet, nutrition, lifestyle interventions, exercise, weight losing medications and sometimes bariatric surgery.
• Empower yourself and your family by talking to your healthcare experts about healthy weight.
*This disease awareness message is brought to you by Novo Nordisk Malaysia. The content provided in this article is for informational purpose only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical inquiries, or emergency, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.