Experts in Ghana explain why diet alone is insufficient for obesity management
Weight management specialists in Ghana urged people to view obesity as a serious medical condition rather than merely a cosmetic problem that can be overcome through diet alone. As MyJoyOnline reports, Dr. Rex Kwame Bonsu and nurse Oswella Yeboah of Vitality Health 360 spoke about health assessments and an individualized approach to weight management.
Obesity and related conditions
According to Bonsu, obesity is associated with excessive accumulation of dysfunctional adipose tissue, which can affect the body's biological, physical, and metabolic functions. He listed hypertension, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obstructive sleep apnea among the conditions associated with obesity. The doctor also mentioned certain types of cancer, including breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancer.
Bonsu emphasized that obesity cannot be determined by a person's appearance alone. Medical professionals assess a patient's height and weight and may calculate body mass index. At the same time, he cautioned that this indicator is only a screening tool because it does not account for age, sex, muscle and fat mass, or bone density.
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Individualized assessment
Yeboah explained that weight loss requires a calorie deficit, in which the body expends more energy than it receives from food. Regular physical activity can also support this process. At the same time, according to Bonsu, hormonal and metabolic factors can make weight loss more difficult. He cited thyroid problems and hormonal changes that affect appetite among them.
The experts separately warned against using weight-loss injections without medical supervision. Bonsu noted that such methods should be used only under the supervision of a qualified specialist.
At Vitality Health 360, people who want to lose or gain weight first undergo a medical examination. According to Bonsu, it may include a complete blood count, tests of liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, and body composition analysis. If necessary, a patient may be referred for a DEXA scan to assess bone density, muscle mass, and fat mass. Yeboah added that nutrition plans are adjusted according to a person's progress and medical needs.
