Is Obesity a Disease? What Dr. Amitabha Saha Has to Say

Obesity is mostly associated with cosmetic concerns, something that can be fixed with a few weeks of dieting and exercise. But what if those extra kilos are not just a matter of poor lifestyle choices, but a chronic condition with health consequences?

This is what Dr. Amitabha Saha, a reputed obesity doctor in Kolkata who has spent years treating patients with weight-related complications, has to say. He shares his insights on why obesity must be viewed as a complex medical issue that requires attention.

Why is Obesity a Disease?

According to Dr. Amitabha Saha, obesity is not about being overweight but rather a condition characterised by excessive fat accumulation, which acts as a risk factor to multiple life-threatening disorders.

Obesity develops over time and is often present without any noticeable symptoms, making it dangerous. Most of the time, patients don’t even realise when they cross from being overweight to obese.

The fat around the abdomen is actually harmful, even if individuals don’t look visibly overweight. Obesity affects nearly every organ of the body. Excess fat accumulation leads to inflammation, hormonal changes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction.

As the best obesity doctor in Kolkata, Dr. Saha considers obesity “the silent killer,” which results in various health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis.

In fact, obesity, when left unaddressed, is one of the reasons behind premature mortality. Dr. Saha always advises patients to seek expert guidance and get an evidence-based treatment approach for better health outcomes.

What Causes Obesity?

One of the common misconceptions patients have about obesity is that it is simply caused by overeating. Though it is one of the factors, several other reasons explain that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue.

Dr. Amitabha Saha provides a complete breakdown.

• Genetics: Some individuals inherit a tendency to gain more weight than others, even when following a similar diet and physical activity.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones that regulate hunger, fullness, metabolism, and fat storage, like insulin, cortisol, ghrelin, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, greatly influence body weight and increase the risk of obesity.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and sleep apnea, negatively affect metabolism, energy levels, and appetite, leading to weight gain.
• Psychological Factors: Individuals with mental health issues like depression, stress, and anxiety often resort to overeating and irregular eating patterns, contributing to weight gain.

Treatment Approach for Obesity

Dr. Amitabha Saha believes in personalised obesity treatment. He understands that every person has different health issues and body composition.

As an obesity doctor in Kolkata, his treatment includes.

• Nutritional Counselling: Tailored dietary recommendations without extreme restrictions.
• Exercise Programs: Physical activity according to fitness level and health issues.
• Behavioural Therapy: Addressing lifestyle habits and stress management.
• Medicines: In certain cases, medicines are also prescribed to improve metabolic health.

Final Words

Obesity is certainly a disease requiring professional help and not just dieting and exercise. With proper diagnosis and personalised treatment, it is possible to manage weight-related issues for better health.