What is obesity?
Obesity is a condition where you have too much body fat. It’s not the same as being overweight. Obesity is a major risk factor for many serious diseases – including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. However, there is no simple cure for obesity and being obese makes it harder to manage these conditions if they do develop.
What causes obesity?
Obesity is caused when you take in more calories than you use – generally by eating too much and moving too little. However, obesity is a very complex condition with many contributing factors.
Some people do gain weight more easily than others. Hormone imbalances also cause obesity. For example, if you have a thyroid condition like hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) or pituitary disorder like Cushing's syndrome. Medications used to treat diabetes can also affect your ability to lose weight.
Why can’t I lose weight?
Complex factors may influence your ability to lose weight. It’s not just a matter of dieting and willpower.
If weight has been an issue your whole life or if several of your blood relatives are significantly overweight, you may have a genetic predisposition to obesity. This makes it harder to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise alone.
Other factors like stress and not getting enough sleep can also lead to obesity. These factors can disrupt hormones that affect hunger (ghrelin and leptin). You’re more likely to overeat when affected by depression, anxiety or other emotions. If you’re tired, you’re also less motivated to exercise.
I can’t lose weight – is it my hormones?
Obesity is caused by both genetic and lifestyle factors, although in some cases an hormonal imbalance can make it worse. Many hormones produced by fat cells, the gastrointestinal tract and the brain play an important role in how much you eat (energy in), how much you use (energy out). Hormone imbalances can be treated with medications, which may in turn help you lose weight.
Can my doctor help me lose weight?
As endocrinologists, we specialise in hormones and metabolism. We have many tools to help us understand the cause of your obesity and support you to make healthy, long term changes. We also have a supportive team including accredited practising dietitians who can provide professional dietary advice on weight management. Our evidence-based programs can help you lose weight, while safely managing other health conditions.
An endocrinologist can rule out hormone causes of obesity, look at contributions of medications to weight gain, and prescribe medication for weight loss if lifestyle measures are not sufficient. In addition your endocrinologist will screen for and treat any complications arising from obesity.
While we all want to be healthy, managing your weight requires a long term and sustainable commitment to healthy eating and staying physically active. Fad diets and extreme exercising may lead to short term gains, but they are unlikely to last, and you may end up heavier than you started.
Small changes every day can have a big impact on your overall health:
Try to eat mainly whole foods
Reduce intake of foods that are high in fat or sugar.
Drink plenty of water every day
Spend 30 minutes a day in moderate physical activity (walking is great)
Eat mindfully – pay attention to what you are eating and allow yourself the chance to feel full
Get everyone involved – ask your friends and family to support you to help make changes more sustainable