Buenos Aires, March 15 (NA)--Obesity is a visible disease, and unlike other chronic pathologies, it manifests in the body, exposing it to judgments, comments, and prejudices that are not usually directed at those who suffer from, for example, diabetes or hypertension. In a report accessed by the Argentine News Agency, it was indicated that it is often interpreted as a matter of individual will—“eat less and move more”—when in reality it is a chronic, multifactorial, and progressive disease. According to the National Risk Factors Survey, 2 out of 3 adults in Argentina have excess weight, while obesity has doubled in the last two decades: it went from 14% in 2005 to 25.4% in 2018. “The evidence shows that obesity is treatable, but it requires medical evaluation and a sustained therapeutic plan,” adds Dr. Duro, who is head of the Obesity and Metabolic Disease Treatment Unit at the Italian Hospital.
Holistic health, beyond weight
When conducting a comprehensive evaluation, professionals analyze the state of metabolism, in addition to weight or body mass index. That is why its approach requires early intervention, continuous follow-up, and specialized treatment. Within the framework of Obesity Awareness Month, specialists warn that one of the main obstacles in addressing obesity is not only its sustained growth, but also the social stigma that affects timely access to the health system. “Obesity is a multifactorial disease in which biological, genetic, hormonal, environmental, and psychological aspects interact. Globally, its prevalence has tripled since 1975, and projections estimate that by 2030 it will affect half of the adult population. Obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and, in some cases, certain types of cancer,” says Karin Kopitowski, honorary head of the Family and Community Medicine Service.
The mentioned health center launched the Obesity and Metabolic Disease Treatment Unit, an interdisciplinary space aimed at providing support, specialized evaluation, and treatment, especially for patients with moderate to severe obesity who require interventional alternatives. It brings together clinical and family physicians, gastroenterologists, bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, with a model of comprehensive assessment and follow-up. The approach may include individualized nutritional treatment, pharmacological indication when necessary, and, in appropriate cases, procedures such as endoscopic gastroplasty or bariatric surgery, considered the most effective and durable tool in severe obesity.
Drugs: the importance of individualized selection
The recent growth of new drugs for obesity has expanded therapeutic options, although specialists highlight the importance of proper evaluation and individualized selection according to each person's particular situation. In some people, the excess fat accumulated in the body can affect its functioning, influencing blood sugar regulation, blood pressure, or liver function. However, this does not happen in all people with obesity, nor in the same way. Even with excess weight, relevant changes may not appear in their metabolism, and when they do, they are usually detected in routine medical check-ups and can be addressed progressively. “The goal of talking about these issues is to promote information and support; it is about understanding that weight and metabolic health are part of a continuum and that each situation requires a personalized approach,” stated Dr. Reducing it to a matter of will or aesthetics is not only incorrect but also delays consultation and worsens the prognosis,” explains Dr. Agustín Duro, a bariatric surgeon. This stigma directly impacts health: many people postpone medical consultation out of guilt or fear of judgment. “We know that many patients arrive after years of failed attempts. The indication must be personalized and always accompanied by an integral plan,” explains Dr. Axel Beskow. This is not a universal solution. “Drugs can be very useful tools, but they do not constitute an isolated solution.”
