Is bariatric surgery the right option for my obesity at 43?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 43-year-old woman struggling with obesity for years. Diet and exercise help a little, but I always regain the weight. My body mass index (BMI) is high, and my doctor says I am at risk for diabetes and heart disease. I also feel judged when I go to the gym. Please tell me,

Are weight-loss medicines safe for long-term use?
Is bariatric surgery an option for me, and what are its risks?
Can hormonal problems cause weight gain?
How do I keep motivated?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Obesity is a complex condition influenced by the following factors of yours:

Metabolism.
Hormones.
Genetics.
Environment.

So it is not simply about willpower, and it is very common to regain weight after dieting alone. Weight loss medications such as GLP1 receptor agonists or other approved agents can be safe for long-term use under medical supervision and have been shown to help not only with weight reduction but also with lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Bariatric surgery is a strong option for a young person like you with a high body mass index (BMI). It carries risks such as surgical complications and may cause nutritional deficiencies. It also offers the most sustained weight loss and can improve or even resolve diabetes and blood pressure problems.

Hormonal issues such as

Hypothyroidism.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Insulin resistance.

It can contribute to weight gain and make weight loss more difficult. So you need to have these checked.

Staying motivated can be difficult if you feel judged in public spaces, but focusing on your personal health goals rather than others’ opinions can help, and finding supportive environments such as home workouts, online communities, or exercising with a trusted friend can make the process more positive.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.