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Ms. Nguyen Mai Anh (26 years old, residing in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City), standing at 1.54 meters, weighed 67 kg. Due to her overweight condition, she faced difficulties in choosing clothes and often felt tired when engaging in physical activities. Every time she attended social events or met friends, Mai Anh was frequently teased as "Anh Beo" (meaning "Mr. Chubby"). Eager to lose weight quickly, Mai Anh tried various weight loss methods, from drinking vinegar, wrapping plastic around her body to intermittent fasting and clean eating regimes.
Over two months ago, introduced by a friend, Mai Anh started using a weight loss drug with a monthly cost of 6 million VND (approximately 260 USD). After the initial three weeks, she successfully shed 4 kg, but experienced symptoms such as frequent urination, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Recognizing her deteriorating health condition, Mai Anh sought medical advice. The doctor recommended a comprehensive treatment for obesity, involving the collaboration of multiple specialties: endocrinology, nutrition, functional recovery, and psychology. She underwent dietary changes, increased physical activity, and received medication for accompanying health issues. After one month, Mai Anh lost 2.5 kg, felt less fatigued, and adapted to a balanced diet, reducing cravings
In reality, over the past five years, the rate of overweight and obesity in Vietnam has surged to 38%. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, 1 in 5 adults struggles to control their weight. Every day, millions of people attempt different diet plans, but up to 95% end up regaining weight.
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Viet Thang, Deputy Head of the Endocrinology Department at Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center, explained that weight loss alters the body's balance, causing patients to feel hungry and crave food. In response, patients tend to overeat, leading to weight regain. Consequently, patients find it challenging to adhere to subsequent weight loss efforts, potentially resulting in psychological distress and increased health risks, even in some severe cases.
TS.BS Dr. Vo Duy Long, Deputy Head of the Gastroenterology Department at Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center, emphasized that extreme measures such as extreme dieting, exercise, or medication without a balanced and synchronized approach pose a higher risk of harmful complications. Complications and damages related to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, digestive, psychological, nervous system, liver, and kidney functions are common. Re-gaining weight becomes more likely.
According to experts, obesity is a chronic disease affecting various organs. Coordinated efforts from multiple specialties, including endocrinology, nutrition, functional recovery, and psychology, are required to help patients improve their weight and quality of life.
Currently, typical methods for obese patients include lifestyle changes, medication, and stomach surgery. Depending on the patient's condition, doctors will apply an appropriate treatment regimen.
ThS.BS Dr. Tran Viet Thang stated that when lifestyle changes are ineffective, patients with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with accompanying illnesses, may be prescribed medication. Obesity treatment drugs may act on the central nervous system, primarily inducing a loss of appetite or affecting digestion to reduce nutrient absorption. However, these drugs have side effects, and patients should not self-administer them without specific guidance from a doctor.
Discussing surgical methods for obesity treatment, Dr. Vo Duy Long mentioned that this approach is reserved for patients with a BMI of 35 or higher (for Asians). This method is only considered when internal treatments and lifestyle changes are ineffective. There are two common types of surgeries:
- First, Gastric bypass surgery to reduce appetite and nutrient absorption.
- Second, Sleeve gastrectomy, connecting the stomach to the small intestine, with the aim of reducing food absorption.
However, doctors advise that if obese patients do not adhere to the treatment plan, there is a higher risk of regaining weight.
For individuals with a BMI over 30, life expectancy decreases by over 3 years and gradually increases the risk of many other illnesses. Therefore, effective weight loss still needs close monitoring from doctors with the coordination of multiple specialties to achieve maximum effectiveness and safety.