Singapore’s weight loss crisis may not be as prevalent now but the failure to implement preventive measures and strategies will see a spike in obesity levels, effectively peaking at 15% in the next 7 years. Battling Singapore’s weight loss crisis is necessary to avoid obesity-related health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. All of which are capable of causing a spike in chronic diseases and ailments among the population. In light of the situation, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam from G&L Surgical Clinic provides his insight and solutions.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest culprit for weight gain is entering the workforce. Since the average Singaporean today is likely to overeat and weigh more,Dr Ganesh Ramalingam notes that building greater awareness around Singapore’sweight loss issues can help with managing the crisis — this includes well-informed exercise habits, proper nutrition and informing the general public on lesser known treatment options such as surgery. Seeking balance between work and personal life can also create pockets of time for individuals to incorporate daily exercise in their lives.
Tackling Singapore’s Weight Loss Crisis
Singapore’s burgeoning problem with weight loss could turn into a crisis if no collective action is taken as a society. Weight loss is much harder to reverse the older you get. Likewise, the health risks that come with it are significantly higher with age. Bariatric surgery, otherwise known as weight loss surgery, should only be considered as an option when all other non-surgical methods have come up short. Apart from making recommended changes to one’s lifestyle habits, one should also commit to these habits to see results. Dr Ganesh recommends consulting a doctor prior to making any lifestyle and diet changes.
The four types of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeries include:
Sleeve Gastrectonomy
Gastric Banding
Roux En Y Gastric Bypass
Endoscopic Instragastric Balloon Insertion.
Despite claims that bariatric surgeries are drastic, Dr Ganesh reinforces the benefits it brings with lowering obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, and high blood pressure. More often than not, it is a necessary measure rather than a cosmetic or quick-fix solution.
To effectively manage Singapore’s weight loss crisis, understanding how these surgeries can help is pivotal to shaping perceptions around them. Having operated on a number of patients, Dr Ganesh attests to the effectiveness of weight loss surgery for individuals who are severely obese, harbour genetic tendency for easy weight gain or are encountering the metabolic effects of excessive weight gain.
Fully committing to the treatment plan following the weight loss surgery is necessary for it to be successful. It is recommended that parents of teenage children undergoing the surgery can commit to such a plan together to help see them through the entire process. On top of that, Dr Ganesh reinforces that being able to demonstrate willingness to change lifestyle habits are necessary prior to the weight loss surgery.
Prior to surgery, consulting your surgeon can help you reach consensus on the type of surgery that works best, coupled with the personal preferences and pre-existing conditions. Likewise, commitment to the plan is pivotal in ensuring the long-term success of the surgery.
Fighting Singapore’s Weight Loss Crisis Together
Singapore’s weight loss crisis must be managed before it reaches the peak of obesity-related challenges. Having good resources, professional advice and a willing community aids in creating a well-informed public.
Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam
Specialist in General Surgery
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