Gastroenterologist reveals why many Indians struggle to lose weight despite dieting and regular workouts

Many individuals find themselves in a frustrating cycle where healthy eating and regular exercise do not lead to weight loss. This reality has left many feeling confused and dismayed, struggling to understand why traditional methods are not yielding results.

The Evolution of Obesity Understanding

Dr. Sukrit Sud, a senior consultant in gastroenterology and gastrosciences at Medanta-The Medicity in Gurugram, suggests that the struggle stems from a conventional misunderstanding of obesity. For a long time, it was viewed strictly as a lifestyle-related condition.

Under this old framework, it was believed that the right food and physical activity were the only requirements for weight loss. While these factors remain important, they may not be the sole drivers of weight management for everyone.

Did You Know? In the Indian scenario, individuals may face a higher risk of insulin resistance and a higher likelihood of visceral fat accumulation, which can make weight loss more difficult even for those who are only moderately overweight.

Biological Barriers to Weight Loss

The human body does not remain passive when calories are restricted. When calorie intake drops below what the body requires, it may begin conserving energy, which leads to a slowing of the metabolic rate.

This biological response often triggers hunger signals, making it significantly harder to maintain weight loss. The use of overly strict diets can create a problematic cycle of weight loss and regain.

These cycles of fluctuation may eventually impact liver health and further disrupt metabolism. Diet and exercise alone may prove ineffective for some individuals.

Expert Insight: The shift in treatment reflects a move away from blaming a lack of effort and toward recognising a lack of a comprehensive approach. By treating obesity as more than a lifestyle choice, medical professionals can address the biological resistance the body puts up during weight loss.

Integrating Modern Medical Support

There is a growing recognition that some people require additional support beyond traditional methods. Modern treatment now often combines diet and exercise with minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures.

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One such technique is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), which reduces the size of the stomach to help patients feel full sooner. Intragastric balloons may also be used temporarily to assist with portion control.

For those who have experienced weight regain after previous therapies, procedures like transoral outlet reduction (TORe) may be considered. These tools are designed to work with the body’s natural processes rather than replace healthy habits.

Potential Future Directions

As the understanding of obesity evolves, more individuals may seek a more comprehensive approach to health. It is likely that the integration of endoscopic tools alongside lifestyle changes could become a more common pathway for those stalled by metabolic issues.

Future health strategies may focus less on rapid weight loss and more on overall health improvement. This shift could potentially reduce the prevalence of the weight loss and gain cycle that affects liver and metabolic health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is weight loss difficult for some people despite a healthy diet?
The body may conserve energy and slow the metabolic rate when calories are reduced, while factors like insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation can further complicate the process.

What are some of the endoscopic procedures used for weight loss?
Options include endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) to reduce stomach size, intragastric balloons for portion control, and transoral outlet reduction (TORe) for those who have regained weight.

Do medical procedures replace the need for diet and exercise?
No, these methods are intended as additional tools to support weight loss and overall health improvement, not as replacements for diet and exercise.

Do you believe a comprehensive medical approach is more effective than traditional dieting alone?