OBESITY should no longer be viewed as just an issue of appearance but treated as a chronic disease that can impact every aspect of life, said Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre Consultant Internal Medicine, Dr Tamilvani.
According to her, many people who attempt to lose weight often succeed at first but end up regaining it, a cycle that leads to frustration and health complications.
To tackle this, the centre has introduced a comprehensive obesity management programme that provides patients with a structured, medically guided approach.
"We came out with a guided programme so people can stick to it longer and benefit from it. This is not a quick fix, but a complete health programme to address weight, metabolism and long-term balance," she told reporters in a health forum.
The programme is built on four key pillars, which are nutrition, physical activity, behavioural therapy and medical support.
"Nutrition is number one, always. We need to reduce calories to achieve a sustained energy deficit. But beyond just eating less, it’s about eating right,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of meal composition, knowing the right balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat and practising mindful eating.
Physical activity plays a major role but must be personalised to each individual’s needs, capabilities and health condition.
While many people assume that cardio alone, such as running, cycling or brisk walking, is enough, Dr Tamilvani said that a more balanced approach is required for sustainable results.
"Are we only doing cardio, or do we need to include weight training as well? It’s important to know what type of exercise suits the individual," she said.
She further said that self-monitoring, setting realistic goals and addressing stress or sleep quality form part of the behavioural approach.
"There are therapists you can talk to about your diet problems, stress or binge eating. Poor sleep and stress management can trigger cravings and overeating, so this is part of the journey too,” she added.
She said modern medication is included where appropriate to strengthen long-term results.
"Diet and exercise alone can lead to modest weight loss, but along the journey, people may give up. That’s where medication helps, it reinforces motivation and improves adherence,” she said.
Dr Tamilvani noted that early obesity management can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions.
“Some people are in a pre-diabetes state. If you address obesity now, you may not develop diabetes at all. Your cholesterol will go down, your blood pressure will stabilise and your cardiovascular risks will drop. Even fatty liver disease can improve,” she added.