Gastroenterology

Obesity treatment

Excess weight isn’t always just a lifestyle issue. The condition stems from complex interactions of genetic, endocrine, metabolic, and psychosocial factors. The first step is to consult a doctor – pediatrician (for children), or internist (for adults) – who can assess overall health and refer you to a specialist. The doctor will be able to assess the patient's general health and refer them to the appropriate specialist. 

The numbers on the scale or a visual assessment are not definitive indicators. The doctor will calculate your BMI, assess fat distribution based on the waist-to-hip ratio, and take your medical history. Additional tests are prescribed to clarify the clinical picture:

• Glucose tolerance test – indicates whether there is a risk of diabetes. 
• Lipid profile analysis – allows for the assessment of "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which affect blood vessels. 
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring helps detect hypertension early. 
• Echocardiography and Holter.
• ECG monitoring – doctors assess heart function, as the heart is under constant strain due to excess weight. 
• Hormone and vitamin analysis – reveals potential thyroid dysfunction, abnormal cortisol levels, or vitamin D deficiency, all of which can impact weight and overall health.

Treating obesity in your specific case may require input from other specialists, such as a psychologist to assess your relationship with food. Doctor Sam offers comprehensive support, involving qualified cardiologists, surgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and other experts. They provide prompt consultations for obesity diagnosis and holistic assistance toward full recovery.

The goal of doctors is to identify the causes of weight gain, prevent complications, stabilize metabolic processes, and ensure long-term weight management to improve the patient’s quality of life. If the cause is an unhealthy diet, a gastroenterologist will provide dietary recommendations, advise on physical activity, and may prescribe medications to reduce appetite or improve metabolism. 

In cases of psychogenic obesity, a psychologist or psychotherapist can help. They identify the underlying causes of overeating, improve the patient’s emotional well-being, and may prescribe antidepressants. 

Symptomatic obesity requires treatment of the underlying disease. For patients with grade III–IV obesity, surgery to reduce the size of the stomach may sometimes be necessary.

Treatment of Crohn’s disease 

Granulomatous colitis, or Crohn’s disease, is a condition in which the body begins to “attack” its own intestines, causing inflammation. It may manifest as persistent abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, sometimes with blood, weakness, and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms may disappear and then return, reducing the patient’s quality of life. 

The disease is difficult to diagnose on your own because its symptoms can resemble those of other gastrointestinal conditions. People often delay seeing a doctor, attributing the symptoms to digestive problems or stress.

Key symptoms of Crohn’s disease requiring medical attention

• Pain: typically in the lower right abdomen, constant or episodic. 
• Diarrhea: frequent loose stools with blood or mucus, often morning or night. 
• Weight loss. 
• Fever: 37-38°C or higher during flare-ups. 
• Abdominal bloating. 
• Persistent fatigue. 
• Anal fissures, fistulas, abscesses: painful anal lesions. 
• Mucosal inflammation: affecting eyes, tongue, or joints (extraintestinal symptoms). 
• False urges to defecate. 

Is Crohn’s disease treatable, and what methods are used?

Treatment can be conservative or surgical. Initially, the main goal is to stop the inflammatory process and achieve remission. If the disease progresses, surgery may be required, including a colectomy – removal of part or all of the colon. It is most often performed laparoscopically, which helps reduce pain and shorten the recovery period. It is also important to make dietary changes, avoid harmful habits, and have regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist. 

Although Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, proper treatment and ongoing monitoring can significantly improve quality of life and help achieve long periods of remission, when symptoms disappear or become minimal. Patients can lead active and comfortable lives.