What medicine is taken for obesity?

Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
Updated on December 03, 2024
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Regarding obesity, first and foremost, one should not eat arbitrarily, meaning one should not randomly choose the so-called weight loss drugs available on the market. For obesity, we identify two types: primary obesity and secondary obesity. Primary obesity occurs without any specific reason, merely due to an irregular lifestyle, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, etc., leading to weight gain.

Secondary obesity has identifiable medical causes; for example, weight gain caused by taking large amounts of exogenous hormones; or hypothyroidism leading to myxedema, which causes weight gain; or issues with the pituitary or adrenal glands leading to excessive secretion of cortisol in the blood, causing a redistribution of fat that results in Cushing's syndrome, among others. For these types of secondary obesity, it is important to identify the underlying causes and treat them accordingly.

For primary obesity, it is not advisable to recommend weight loss drugs commonly found on the market. The first recommendation is to control the diet scientifically, combined with a certain intensity of aerobic exercise to reduce weight. Caution is advised with those weight loss drugs sold by online marketers; one should not consume them carelessly.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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What tests are needed for obesity?

Patients with obesity are more prone to metabolic issues, such as high blood sugar, high blood lipids, high uric acid, and obesity itself, which can lead to abnormal liver function. Therefore, thorough blood tests are necessary. First, check liver functions, especially transaminases, and kidney functions, particularly for uric acid, as well as routine tests for blood sugar and lipids. For patients with obesity, we also recommend checking cortisol levels to exclude obesity caused by increased cortisol. Enhance the examination of thyroid function to determine if hypothyroidism is causing obesity. These are the blood tests required; additionally, we suggest that patients undergo further examinations such as electrocardiograms and abdominal ultrasounds.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
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Is it difficult for people with obesity to get pregnant?

Patients with obesity, especially women with excessive abdominal fat, often experience disrupted hormonal balance due to altered levels of circulating sex hormones. This frequently leads to ovulatory abnormalities and excess androgens, often accompanied by reproductive dysfunction. As a result, such conditions manifest as difficulty in conceiving, and are commonly associated with menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and infertility. Some patients may also develop polycystic ovary syndrome. Even in pregnant obese women, the risks of diabetes and hypertension increase, as do the risks of complications during childbirth and congenital abnormalities in their infants. Therefore, it is crucial for women of childbearing age to maintain a normal weight.

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Written by Li Lang Bo
Endocrinology
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Can people with obesity run?

The treatment of obesity mainly involves controlling diet and increasing exercise, which means "watch your mouth and move your legs." Therefore, running is definitely an option. However, for those who are severely obese, with a BMI over 30, excessive running might be too much for the knee joints to handle. For obese patients, brisk walking is primarily recommended. Another good form of exercise is swimming, which can protect the joints under the pressure of water while also burning calories. Therefore, people with obesity can run, but it depends on the situation and should not be rushed. For those who are severely obese, swimming is recommended as a way to help reduce weight.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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What diseases are easily contracted with obesity?

Obesity is most likely to affect the cardiovascular and endocrine metabolic systems. Obesity can easily lead to high blood sugar, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Over time, it can cause arteriosclerosis, leading to high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. At the same time, obesity can also cause some diseases of the digestive system, such as fatty liver, which is most common in obese individuals, leading to reduced liver function and increased transaminases. Additionally, obesity can lead to abnormal bone metabolism, making it easy to combine with osteoporosis.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Can people with obesity eat pork?

Patients with obesity are advised to primarily consume lean pork, as it generally contains more protein. If the pork is fatty, it has a higher fat content. Since obesity is a disease of nutritional excess, it is necessary to strictly control the total calorie intake, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats — particularly the intake of carbohydrates and fats, which are strictly limited. However, patients with obesity can eat lean pork, as it contains high-quality protein which is beneficial for their physical health. Thus, people with obesity can eat pork, but they should focus on consuming lean cuts.