I am obese. Can hormonal imbalances contribute to my weight gain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 42-year-old woman who has struggled with obesity for many years. Despite following various diets and exercise programs, I find it very difficult to lose weight and maintain it.

My body mass index is high, and I am now experiencing knee pain and borderline diabetes. I feel frustrated because people often assume it is just a matter of willpower, yet I have tried numerous approaches.

So my concerns are-

Are medications for weight loss safe for women, especially if I plan to become pregnant in the future?
I have also heard about bariatric surgery. How can I know if I qualify, and what are the long-term risks?
Could hormonal imbalances or metabolism be contributing to my weight?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I completely understand that it is really difficult to live with lifestyle-related disorders, which are chronic and can eventually become life-threatening.

Bariatric surgeries are weight loss surgeries that are recommended for people with a body mass index of 40 or higher or a body mass index of 35 or higher if there are other comorbidities.

These are also called metabolic surgeries because they not only help with weight loss but also improve health outcomes by controlling blood sugar levels, managing abnormal blood lipid levels, and reducing high blood pressure.

Bariatric surgeries are performed either by restricting the size of the stomach or by rerouting parts of the digestive tract. This reduces hunger, increases early satiety, and decreases overall food intake.

Generally, people with a body mass index of 40 or above are considered candidates for bariatric surgery.

Common risks include those associated with anesthesia, which are present in almost all types of surgery. Other potential complications include malabsorption of important nutrients, bowel obstruction, abdominal pain, diarrhea, infection, and the formation of strictures in the digestive tract.

Emotional and psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression may also occur after surgery. You should discuss your weight loss options with your doctor based on your current body mass index.

It is also important to get your thyroid function tested, as well as an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis. These investigations may help identify underlying reasons for your increasing weight.

You should continue working on your diet and exercise programs. Additionally, please let me know if you are currently experiencing any menstrual irregularities.

Obesity can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes, making pregnancy high-risk in women with significant obesity. Proper evaluation and management before and during pregnancy are important for both maternal and fetal health.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.