Obesity & Weight Loss Treatment



Obesity & Weight Loss Treatment in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (Malaysia)

Obesity can occur at any age. Based on the Ministry of Health (Malaysia), a study in 2017 shows that 36.2% of Malaysian aged 18-69 were overweight


What is Obesity?

Obesity can lead to lead can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Body Mass Index (BMI) can be used as an indicator to define obesity. Your BMi will give your doctor a good indication of managing your weight.

How Is Your BMI Calculated?

Based on the World Health Organization indication, the BMI of the following are considered:

  • Underweight = ‹18.5
  • Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight = 25-29.9
  • Obese = 230|

BMI is calculated based on this formula: Weight (Kg) / (height x height (m))

Asians with a BMI of 23 or higher may have an increased risk of health problems.

Obesity can occur at any age. Based on the Ministry of Health (Singapore), a study in 2017 shows that 36.2% of Singaporeans aged 18-69 were overweight. In addition, 13% of school-going children were overweight.


Why Is Weight Loss Important to Your Health?

Obesity can lead to chronic medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These conditions may lead to you developing heart diseases, strokes, and osteoarthritis.

Obesity can negatively affect your overall quality of life, body image, and self-esteem.

Weight Loss Treatment

Your doctor may do a physical examination, understand your eating habit, past medical history, and lifestyle.

The doctor may recommend some tests such as

  • Blood sugar
  • Cholesterol
  • Thyroid Hormone Tests
  • Insulin Test
  • Cortisol Hormone Test

The tests are are to determine if your weight gain is a symptom of other medical conditions.

Your doctor will work with you to develop an exercise and diet plan.

In addition, your doctor may recommend weight loss medications

  1. Saxenda
  2. Contrave


    What Is Saxenda ?

    Saxenda is a brand name for the drug liraglutide, which is used for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with weight-related medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).

    Saxenda works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced hunger.

    Key Points about Saxenda:

    • Mechanism: It acts as an appetite suppressant by slowing down gastric emptying and reducing calorie intake.
    • Administration: Saxenda is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically once daily.
    • Indications: It is prescribed for long-term weight management in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
    • Approval: Saxenda is approved by the FDA and other regulatory bodies for weight management in certain individuals.
    • Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes.

    It is important to use Saxenda under medical supervision to monitor progress and manage any potential side effects.


    What is Contrave ?



    Contrave is a prescription medication used to help with weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). It is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

    Key Points about Contrave:

    • Composition: Contrave is a combination of two medications, naltrexone and bupropion:
      • Naltrexone: An opioid receptor antagonist commonly used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence.
      • Bupropion: A norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that is used to treat depression and as a smoking cessation aid.
    • Mechanism of Action: Contrave affects the brain’s hypothalamus (which regulates appetite) and the mesolimbic reward system (which controls feelings of pleasure associated with eating), helping reduce hunger and food cravings.
    • Administration: Contrave is taken orally, usually in the form of tablets.
    • Indications: It is prescribed for chronic weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
    • Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth.

    Contrave is not suitable for everyone, especially those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, or a history of eating disorders. It should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.