Obesity is a long-term medical condition, not a lack of willpower. Hormones, genes, medicines, sleep, stress and environment all affect weight. Medical treatment looks for these causes and treats the health problems that come with extra weight.
When weight becomes a health risk
Indians develop diabetes and heart disease at lower weights than Western populations, so Indian guidelines use lower cut-offs:
| Measure | Indian cut-off |
|---|---|
| BMI, overweight | 23 – 24.9 |
| BMI, obesity | 25 or higher |
| Waist, men | 90 cm or more |
| Waist, women | 80 cm or more |
What the assessment includes
- Checking for hormone causes such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and PCOS
- Reviewing medicines that can cause weight gain
- Screening for diabetes, fatty liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea
- In children, looking for genetic and syndromic causes when weight gain starts very early or comes with other features
Treatment options
- A realistic eating and activity plan built around your routine
- Medicines for weight management, including GLP-1–based medicines, when appropriate and with regular monitoring
- Referral for bariatric surgery when it is the right option
Read more about obesity and healthy weight for Indians.
Consulting Dr. Prasadh Rao L
Dr. Prasadh Rao L (MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Endocrinology)) is an Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at Madras Medical College, where these conditions are seen and managed regularly. Treatment is planned individually, because the right choice depends on the cause, your age, other health conditions and your plans, such as pregnancy. Consultations are available at Dr. PD's Diabetes and Endocrine Speciality Clinic, Maduravoyal (Mon – Sat, 7:30 – 9:30 PM), at Dr. RK Podiatric Institute, Kolathur (4:00 – 6:30 PM), and by appointment at partner hospitals and clinics. See all locations or read the doctor’s profile.
Book a consultation
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Written by Dr. Prasadh Rao L, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Endocrinology). Assistant Professor of Endocrinology, Madras Medical College. Tamil Nadu Medical Council Reg. No. 96520.
This article is for general information. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Please don't start, stop or change any medicine without speaking to your doctor.