By acknowledging obesity as a complex chronic illness, Integrated Obesity Medicine at Southland provides patients with obesity with appropriate care, support, and resources. This approach emphasizes the importance of long-term management, addressing the underlying causes, and focusing on overall health and well-being rather than solely weight loss.
Click on the links below to explore the different components of Integrated Obesity Medicine at Southland Wellness.
Psychological Therapy and Lifestyle Coaching
Non-Judgmental Approach to Treating Obesity
Integrated Homeopathic Medicine
Obesity is defined by:
Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 (or greater than 27.5 for Asians);
Abdominal circumference of 102 cm for men (90 cm for Asian men) and 88 cm for women (80 cm for Asian women)
Percent Body Fat of greater than 32% for women for 25% for men
Obesity is widely recognized as a chronic illness due to its complex and multifactorial nature, long-term impact on health, and the need for ongoing management and treatment. It is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that can have significant implications for physical, metabolic, and psychological well-being. Here is a summary highlighting why obesity is considered a chronic illness:
1. Prolonged Duration: Obesity is typically a lifelong condition that requires continuous management. It is not a temporary or transient state but a chronic state of elevated body weight that persists over an extended period.
2. Multiple Causes: Obesity arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and metabolic factors. There is a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic factors, and physiological mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of obesity.
3. Health Consequences: Obesity is associated with a wide range of health complications and comorbidities. These may include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain types of cancer, sleep apnea, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological conditions like depression and anxiety. These health consequences can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and overall well-being.
4. Metabolic Dysregulation: Obesity is characterized by metabolic dysregulation, including insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and alterations in lipid profiles. These metabolic disturbances can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases and further complicate the management of obesity.
5. Difficulty in Sustained Weight Loss: Losing weight and maintaining weight loss is often challenging for individuals with obesity due to various physiological and psychological factors. The body's biological mechanisms tend to defend against weight loss, leading to decreased metabolic rate, increased hunger, and heightened food cravings. Additionally, behavioral and psychological factors, such as emotional eating and stress, can hinder long-term weight management efforts.
6. Need for Comprehensive Management: Effective management of obesity requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. It involves lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, physical activity), behavioral interventions, psychological support, and, in some cases, medical interventions like medication or bariatric surgery. Regular monitoring, ongoing support, and long-term follow-up are necessary components of managing obesity as a chronic illness.
7. Impact on Quality of Life: Obesity can significantly impact an individual's physical functioning, mental health, self-esteem, body image, and social interactions. It may lead to stigmatization, discrimination, and reduced quality of life. Recognizing obesity as a chronic illness helps to shift the perspective from blame or personal responsibility to a compassionate understanding that requires comprehensive support and healthcare interventions.