Why dieting alone may not be enough for weight loss – experts explain obesity complexities

Health professionals in Ghana have emphasized that obesity is a serious medical condition requiring more than just dieting for weight loss. On the AM Show, Dr. Rex Kwame Bonsu, a physician specialist, and Ozwella Yeboah, a nurse from Vitality Health 360, explained that obesity involves an excessive accumulation of dysfunctional fat tissue that can impact the body's biological, physical, and metabolic functions.

Dr. Bonsu noted that obesity is linked to various non-communicable diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, sleep apnoea, and certain cancers such as breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. He stressed that obesity cannot be accurately determined by observing a person, as health professionals consider factors such as weight and height, often calculating the Body Mass Index (BMI).

However, Dr. Bonsu cautioned that BMI is merely a screening tool and does not account for age, sex, muscle mass, fat mass, and bone density. Ms Yeboah said weight loss requires a calorie deficit, where the body burns more energy than it consumes from food, and regular physical activity supports the process. Dr. Bonsu highlighted that weight loss can be challenging for some due to hormonal and metabolic factors, including thyroid issues and hormonal changes affecting appetite.

He warned against unmonitored use of weight-loss injections, stating they should only be administered under qualified health professionals' guidance. At Vitality Health 360, clients seeking weight loss or gain undergo medical assessments to determine their individual needs. These assessments include full blood count, liver and kidney function tests, cholesterol levels, body-composition analysis, and may involve DEXA scans to assess bone density, muscle mass, and fat mass.

In some cases, patients may require medication to regulate appetite, cravings, or certain metabolic conditions, but this must be determined and monitored by a specialist. The experts urged those struggling with obesity or seeking professional support to visit Vitality Health 360 on Oxford Street in Accra, emphasizing that weight management is not a one-size-fits-all process and professional guidance is crucial.