Obesity is a serious chronic disease, with prevalence increasing rapidly worldwide. Comprehensive and personalized obesity management places a strong emphasis on the roles of endocrinology and nutrition.
Experts shared these insights at the scientific seminar titled “Multidisciplinary approach in obesity management: The role of endocrinology and nutrition,” organized by the Tam Anh General Hospital Group on the afternoon of August 10.
Assoc. Prof. Tran Quang Binh, MD, PhD, chaired the scientific seminar on a multidisciplinary approach to obesity management on the afternoon of August 10.
(Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital)
Obesity is becoming a global pandemic and is a major contributor to more than 200 diseases and health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, and various cancers, particularly gastrointestinal cancers.
Assoc. Prof. Tran Quang Binh, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Tam Anh General Hospital Group in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), said endocrinology and nutrition play prominent roles in obesity management. Endocrinology helps identify underlying causes and provides personalized pharmacological treatment, while nutrition focuses on modifying eating behaviors and developing individualized diets. Healthy dietary control, physical activity, and appropriate use of medication are important components of weight management, with surgical intervention considered when necessary. The goal is to reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass.
Dr. Matsuoka Ryosuke discusses the role of vegetables in maintaining health. (Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital)
Dr. Matsuoka Ryosuke, a nutrition expert from Japan, emphasized that the 2021 Tokyo Nutrition Summit identified five leading causes of death, many of which were associated with metabolic syndrome, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the accumulation of visceral fat and enlargement of fat cells, which promotes the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines closely associated with inflammatory and immune responses. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated blood glucose, and other health conditions.
Dr. Matsuoka Ryosuke said that higher vegetable consumption is associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. A study involving more than 200,000 people worldwide, including participants from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, found that consuming 300 grams of vegetables reduced the risk of death by approximately 20% compared with consuming no vegetables. In addition, vegetable consumption helps prevent obesity and improve glycemic indicators in people with diabetes.
Dr. Tran Quyen An presents and answers questions online about nutrition for people with obesity from the Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi. (Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital Group in HCMC)
Highlighting the role of fiber-rich foods, Dr. Tran Quyen An, a nutrition expert at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, emphasized that in obesity treatment, the amount of weight lost is not the most important factor. What matters is whether patients can maintain a balanced diet over the long term. Long-term maintenance depends largely on patient adherence. Clinical practice shows that diets that are easier to follow can be more effective than restrictive dieting.
Dr. An said nutritional intervention is a crucial component of obesity management and must be individualized based on body weight, related medical conditions, nutritional needs, and recommendations, with the goal of developing the most feasible diet for each patient. “Nutritional intervention is not simply prescribing treatment,” Dr. An emphasized, explaining that dietary fiber affects not only the digestive system but also the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis.
Research has shown that fiber can increase insulin sensitivity by 25%, support glycemic and lipid responses, and reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In weight management, fiber helps increase satiety and supports adherence to a reduced-calorie diet, with higher fiber intake associated with better weight loss outcomes.
Medication can support weight loss but cannot replace nutritional intervention. Therefore, combining pharmacological treatment with nutritional intervention is essential for optimal weight loss outcomes. “There is no single optimal diet for every patient with obesity. The best diet is one that is balanced and easy to maintain,” Dr. An said.
Dr. Lam Van Hoang discusses the role of metabolism in obesity management. (Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital)
Elaborating on the role of metabolism in obesity management, Dr. Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Tam Anh General Hospital in HCMC, said weight loss is a long-term journey that requires motivation originating from the patient, rather than relying solely on healthcare providers.
The perception that people who are overweight or obese simply eat too much or exercise too little is misguided and does not motivate patients. In reality, adults with obesity make an average of four attempts to lose weight, often unsuccessfully, and nearly half regain the weight they have lost. The main reason is an inability to maintain the motivation to lose weight. In addition, the body tends to resist weight loss due to hormonal changes and metabolic adaptations, contributing to the persistence of obesity and promoting weight regain. Therefore, obesity management strategies need to address these metabolic adaptations.
Dr. Hoang said motivational counseling is essential for building patients’ self-confidence, helping them take responsibility for their condition, reducing the risk of weight regain, and encouraging self-directed behavioral change.
