Emergency: 7277557755
  • drshashankshah@rediffmail.com
  • +91-7411804876
  • About Us
    • Dr Shashank Shah
    • Dr Sushikumar Kharat
    • Our Team
    • Gallery
  • Obesity
  • Hernia
  • General Surgery
  • Gallbladder
  • Blog
  • News and Event
Get Appointment
Menu
Make Your Appointment
captcha code
Incorrect code entered
Browsing Category
Archive
Weight Loss and Nutrition

Weight loss medications and injections… a new era of medical weight loss or weight management

25/03/2025 1 Comment

Incidence of obesity is on the rise globally. In India almost one out of 3 to 5 would have some degree of excess weight. The reasons are many and hence obesity is known as a multifactorial disease.

Genetics can contribute to obesity. Environmental factors such as preservatives, pesticides, etc. are the known endocrine disrupters. Environmental factors also have impact on epigenetics. Life style does play a role in aggravating the grade of obesity. Diet and life style change as a treatment of obesity has been attempted over many decades but could never give a long-lasting sustained success. The obvious reason being the body’s physiological response which gains the weight back. Hence, treating the root cause, that is the hormones of metabolism, is important for long-term control of weight.

Bariatric surgery was the only known and accepted treatment of obesity which could improve the hormones and metabolism. Bariatric surgery is known to reduce the hunger hormone Ghrelin and increase the GLP1 hormones. These hormones increase metabolism and help in weight loss. Researchers always attempted to create anti Ghrelin hormones but still it is not successful. The other attempt was to create a hormone which would work like GLP1 hormone. The newer medications or injections are the hormones like GLP! And hence are called hormone analogues/ GLP1 analogues. Like GLP1, there exist many hormones in the body like glucagon, GIP, amylin etc. which also have impact on hunger, appetite, and weight loss. Newer injections may have a single hormone or a combination of these.

Which drugs are known as weight loss medications /injections :

Injections like Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, Semaglutide , Tirzepatide etc are the newer medications for weight loss known as Victoza, Trulicity, Wegovy, Ozempic, saxenda, Mounjaro. There are some oral medications available like topiramate with phenteramine and bupropion with naltrexone.

How effective are these medications or injections?

These medications are effective and can give 5 to 15% weight loss based on various factors. It is necessary to follow a healthier and nutritious diet with these medications to minimise the side effects of these medications. The result of these remains variable and not the same for everyone. Majority of patients lose up to 5% weight.

What are the precautions before starting these medications and what are the side effects?

Patients may experience bloating, acidity, symptoms of reflux, some people may develop constipation or diarrhoea. Those with preexisting reflux, acidity or bowel disturbances should consult their doctor before starting these medications.

Incidence of thyroid cancer is reported with these medications, even though low. Those with thyroid disorders should consult their doctor and get thorough evaluation prior to initiation of therapy with these new medications. Those looking for conception/ pregnancy should avoid these medications or strictly use contraception while on these drugs.

Pancreatitis and gall stone disease are seen after the use of these weight loss injections. They should be best avoided in patients with history of gall stone disease, biliary diseases and those with history of pancreatitis.

A small number of patients have also reported changes in the mood, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts after the use of these newer injections. Those with existing mood disorders or those on psychiatric medications should be screened prior to the use of these medications.

The drugs work by slowing the stomach movement, also known as delayed gastric emptying. A condition called gastroparesis has been reported which means the stomach start remaining paralysed and food remains in the stomach for longer period. This may give rise to bad breath, reflux and sometimes vomiting or reflux during sleep may be dangerous. Those with severe sleep apnoea should avoid heavy meal at bed time and should consult their doctors. The medications should be stopped two weeks prior to any surgery or anaesthesia for fear of vomiting and aspiration.

How long should one use these medications? Can someone stop these medications after achieving satisfactory weight loss?

It has been reported that if the medications are discontinued, there is increase in hunger, slowing of metabolism and rapid weight regain. Hence it appears that these medications have to be continued for life time, even though long- term side effects and safety is still yet to be known.

In simple language, these are just like a blood pressure or diabetes medications. The effect is seen till you consume those medications. Obesity being a chronic genetic, metabolic disease the treatment has to be continued ever.

Are these medications cost effective? Are they covered in insurance?

It appears that the medications cost around 20000 to 40000 Rs per month if you consider all the supplementary medications like statins, other medications, treatment of symptoms of side effects and protein and vitamin supplements. One may calculate the cost over a few years.

At present these are out patient treatments and hence not covered under insurance. Only bariatric surgery is covered under insurance and is known to be most cost effective as compared to these medications.

LOC or Laparo Obeso centre has been a comprehensive clinic and hospital offering the complete spectrum for weight loss since last 22 years. A team of well qualified experts at LOC Hospital offer all types of treatments including dietary modification, life style changes, endoscopic treatments like balloon, swallow balloon, bariatric surgery of all types so as to offer optimal weight loss to everyone.

Continue reading
Reading time: 4 min
Share:
Written by: obesityasia
Health Conditions Related To Obesity

How Obesity and Acid Reflux Are Connected—and What You Can Do About It

11/11/2024 30 Comments

If you’re dealing with both obesity and heartburn, you’re not alone. Many people notice that carrying extra weight can trigger acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It causes heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest. 

But how does excess weight make this problem worse?

Obesity and GERD are closely linked for several reasons. Let’s understand how they’re connected so you can manage both conditions more effectively. In this article we are going to explore the main ways extra weight affects acid reflux and how making a few simple changes can lead to significant improvements.

 

  1. Extra Weight Increases Pressure on Your Stomach

When you put on extra weight, especially around your belly, it puts added pressure on your abdomen. This belly fat presses down on the stomach and nearby organs.

This extra pressure causes stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Esophagus is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. 

Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) works as a one-way valve that prevents stomach contents from rising. 

But because of this excess pressure, the LES weakens and relaxes, causing acid to leak into the esophagus, creating the burning sensation known as heartburn.

 

  1. Visceral Fat Causes Inflammation


Visceral fat is a type of fat that wraps around organs like the stomach and liver. Unlike regular fat, visceral fat is active and releases chemicals called adipokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. 

These chemicals are inflammatory. And they interfere with the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES becomes weaker, acid is more likely to flow back into the esophagus, increasing the risk of acid reflux.

Inflammation doesn’t only impact the LES; it can affect the entire digestive system, leading to more frequent episodes of acid reflux. This is why individuals with higher levels of visceral fat often experience more severe GERD symptoms.

 

3. Obesity Increases the Risk of Hiatal Hernia

 

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest area. This disrupts the normal barrier between the stomach and esophagus, making it easier for acid to reflux into the esophagus.

Obesity raises the risk of developing a hiatal hernia because the extra weight pushes the stomach upward. 

This pressure can cause part of the stomach to slide through the diaphragm. When a hernia occurs, acid reflux becomes more likely and harder to control, worsening GERD symptoms.

 

4. More Frequent Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Relaxations

 

Studies show that people with obesity experience more frequent transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). 

These are moments when the LES muscle relaxes, usually after eating, to release gas or relieve excess pressure in the stomach. 

However, if the LES relaxes too often, it allows stomach acid to slip into the esophagus.

Because individuals with obesity tend to eat larger meals, their stomachs stretch more, leading to even more TLESRs. This can create a cycle of acid reflux that’s difficult to break.

 

Research Behind the Link Between Obesity and GERD

Researchers have found that excess weight significantly increases the risk of GERD:

  • People with obesity are nearly three times more likely to develop GERD compared to those of normal weight.
  • A study in Scandinavia showed that overweight or obese individuals are six times more likely to experience GERD symptoms than those with a normal weight.

How Weight Loss Helps with GERD

Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to relieve GERD symptoms. 

Here’s how it helps:

Less Pressure on the Stomach: Losing weight, especially around the abdomen, reduces pressure in the stomach area. This helps the LES stay strong and prevents acid from pushing up into the esophagus. Since there is less pressure, acid reflux episodes lower down.

Reduced Inflammation and Improved LES Function: When the body sheds of visceral fat, the inflammation reduces and the esophageal muscles get strengthen. A stronger LES does its job better, keeping acid where it belongs.

Fewer LES Relaxations Smaller meals and less stomach stretching help reduce how often the LES relaxes, especially after meals. This means fewer times where acid can flow back up after eating.

 

Bariatric Surgery: An Effective Solution for GERD in People with Obesity

Bariatric surgery has proven to be one of the most effective solutions for those who haven’t found relief from GERD through weight loss and lifestyle changes alone. 

The procedure not only aids in significant weight loss but also reduces or even eliminates GERD by targeting the root causes related to obesity.

By addressing underlying issues like abdominal pressure, LES function, and inflammation, bariatric surgery offers long-term relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Dr Shashan Shah is one of the best and most experienced Bariatric Surgeon, with a proven track record in treating patients suffering from obesity-related GERD. 

He has helped many individuals reduce or completely resolve their GERD symptoms through advanced bariatric procedures.

With Dr. Shashank Shah’s expert care, you can regain control over your health and enjoy a GERD-free life.

If want to know how bariatric surgery can help you overcome GERD and achieve sustainable weight loss, reach out to us for a consultation. 

Continue reading
Reading time: 4 min
Share:
Written by: obesityasia
Page 2 of 21«1234»1020...Last »

About me

Dr Shashank Shah is an expert laparoscopic bariatric i.e. obesity surgeon in India. He is a director of Laparo Obeso Centre which is a centre for treatment for weight loss and weight-related metabolic diseases.

Recent Posts

  • 20 Years of LOC | Limca Record: 45 Hernia Surgeries in 10 Hours – Dr. Shashank Shah
  • Mounjaro Injection: A Game-Changer in Diabetes and Weight Loss Treatment
  • Weight loss medications and injections… a new era of medical weight loss or weight management
  • How Obesity and Acid Reflux Are Connected—and What You Can Do About It
  • How Obesity Leads To Urinary Incontinence

Categories

  • Bariatric Surgery
  • chronic stress
  • Diabetes type 2
  • Gynecomastia
  • Health Conditions Related To Obesity
  • Health Insurance
  • Hernia
  • Medical Advice
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Obesity and Joint Health
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Weight Loss and Nutrition

Tags

#BariatricSurgery #DiabetesTreatment #DrShashankShah #FertilityAndPCOS #MetabolicSurgery #ObesityTreatmen #PCOSAndObesity #PCOSJourney #PCOSManagement #Type2Diabetes #WeightLossSurgery bariatric surgeon bariatric surgery Gynecomastia health HypertensionRelief ManageHypertension obesity ObesityAndHypertension weight loss WeightLossForHealth

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

About Us

International Centre of Excellence, certified by Surgical Review Corporation, American Board. Ideal Obesity Clinic for out-patient care with the latest state-of-art infrastructure in Operation Theatres.

  • Phone: 91-7277557755
  • Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 09:00PM

Our Pages

  • About Us
  • Obesity Treatment
  • Hernia Treatment
  • General Surgery
  • Gallbladder Surgery

Our Services

  • Palliative Care
  • Chemotherapy
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Intragastric Balloon
  • Duodenal Switch
  • 3D Mesh Repair
  • Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Laser Treatment
  • Surgical Removal
  • Adjuvant Treatment
  • Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy

Address

Pune

2143, Sadashiv peth, Vijayanagar Colony, N. C. Phadke Chowk, Near Neelayam Theater, Next to Hotel Kaveri, Pune 411030, Maharashtra, India

© Obesity Asia. All Rights Reserved.

Developed By Innothoughts System Pvt. Ltd