Understanding BMI, Healthy Weights, and Why Severe Obesity Makes Dieting Alone Difficult

You may have heard that bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, can be a great option for people struggling with severe obesity. But when exactly is it recommended?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

When is Bariatric Surgery Recommended?

Typically, bariatric surgery is considered when your body mass index (BMI) reaches 40 or higher. BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. An adult with a BMI over 40 is classified as severely obese. Surgery may also be an option if your BMI is 35 or higher and you have serious weight-related health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.

To give you an idea, for a 5’4″ (163 cm) woman, a healthy weight range is between 108 lbs to 145 lbs (49 kg to 66 kg) according to CDC guidelines. Anything above 195 lbs (88 kg) is considered obese for that height.

Why Diet and Exercise Alone May Not Work

Now, you might be thinking – can’t people with high BMIs just diet and exercise? While that works for some, those with severe obesity often face roadblocks that make it extremely difficult to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Here’s why:

Metabolic Adaptations: As people lose weight, their bodies adapt by slowing down their metabolism and increasing hunger hormones. This makes it increasingly difficult to continue losing weight and maintain the loss.

Hormonal Imbalances: Obesity can cause hormonal imbalances, such as increased insulin resistance and leptin resistance, which can make weight loss through diet and exercise alone more challenging.

Behavioral and Psychological Factors: Deep-rooted behavioral and psychological factors, such as emotional eating, binge eating disorders, or other mental health conditions, can make it difficult to sustain long-term lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss.

Comorbidities: Obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint problems can make it physically challenging to engage in regular exercise and maintain a calorie-restricted diet.

No matter which diets you try—low-calorie, low-carbohydrate (e.g., Atkins, Keto), intermittent fasting, low-fat, or Paleo—if your body and mind don’t support it, it becomes hard and there could be serious repercussions.

Plus, with such excessive weight, you can’t just accept it and live with it. It’s an urgent and serious matter that needs to be taken care of immediately.

The Health Risks of Severe Obesity

When someone is severely obese with a BMI over 40, it means they have an excessive amount of body fat. This excess fat doesn’t just sit inertly but functions like an active organ releasing harmful substances.

Inflammation: Excess fat cells produce inflammatory molecules called cytokines, causing widespread inflammation that can damage tissues and organs over time.

Insulin Resistance: Fat cells release excess fatty acids into the bloodstream, leading to insulin resistance and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Joint Stress: The extra weight puts mechanical stress on joints, leading to arthritis and joint problems.

Cardiovascular Strain: Severe obesity strains the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Respiratory Issues: Excess abdominal fat squeezes organs like the lungs, making it harder to breathe and worsening sleep apnea and other respiratory issues.

In simple terms, the extreme amount of excess body fat acts like a toxic, inflammatory substance that damages organs and disrupts the body’s normal processes, leading to various serious health problems.

Why Bariatric Surgery Can Be a Lifesaver

When diets fail and health is severely impacted, bariatric surgery provides a way to finally lose excess weight and get healthier. But it requires careful evaluation to ensure it’s the right option for you.

If you’re struggling with severe obesity, schedule an appointment with us to understand whether bariatric surgery is the right solution for you.

Meet Dr. Shashank Shah

Dr. Shashank Shah is considered one of India’s best bariatric surgeons, with over 10,000 bariatric procedures performed from 2004 to 2024.

His extensive experience and compassionate approach have helped many individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health.

Severe obesity is a serious health concern that can lead to numerous complications. When traditional weight loss methods fail, bariatric surgery can offer a viable solution. With the expertise of Dr. Shashank Shah, you can explore the best options for achieving a healthier, more active life.

To learn more and schedule an appointment, click here. Don’t let severe obesity control your life—take the first step towards better health today.

Hernia is a medical condition. An organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue wall.

This creates a noticeable lump or bulge. These weak spots can be found in various parts of the body, with the most common areas being the abdomen and groin.

Hernias can vary in size and symptoms; some cause pain, while others may go unnoticed.

Imagine a wall with a weak spot; now picture something pushing through that weak spot.

This is similar to what happens in your body with a hernia.

The “wall” is your muscle or tissue, and the “something” could be an organ or fatty tissue pushing through.

Hernias can affect anyone, from children to adults.

And it’s a condition that rarely goes away on its own. In fact, they often enlarge over time.

Surgery is the only definite treatment for hernia.

Let’s look at common hernia symptoms

If you’re aware of your hernia symptoms, you can consult with the doctor, get a proper diagnosis. And get the treatment before it gets serious.

Here are some common hernia symptoms

Visible bulge or lump: Often seen or felt in the groin, abdomen, or chest.

Pain or discomfort: Especially noticeable during physical activity or when lifting heavy objects.

Feeling of heaviness: Pressure or weakness in the affected area.

Digestive issues: Such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or feeling full quickly.

Aching or burning sensation: A dull ache or burning in the affected area.

Pain during coughing or bending: Coughing or bending may make the pain worse.

Gurgling sounds: Sometimes, noises can be heard from the hernia area.

No symptoms: Some hernias do not cause noticeable problems initially.

If a hernia worsens, you may get severe symptoms like intense pain, nausea, vomiting, or a red or purple bulge. These symptoms signal the need for immediate medical attention.

If you feel any of the above symptoms, then don’t delay. Hernia treatment on time means a lot less trouble down the road.

So what are the types of hernias?

There are 5 types of hernia, each has its unique characteristics.

Identifying the types helps in taking better precautions and managing them.

Let’s look at each type.

Inguinal Hernia: This is the most common type. It occurs in the groin area and typically affects men.

Femoral Hernia: This also occurs in the groin area but is lower down and is more common in women.

Umbilical Hernia: This is located around the belly button. It is common in infants but can also affect adults.

Incisional Hernia: This occurs at the site of a previous surgery where the scar tissue is weaker.

Hiatal Hernia: This occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.

Treating Hernias

Surgery is the only definite treatment for hernia. Yet, not all hernias need immediate intervention. In such cases, you have to continuously watch your situation. And avoid activities that could worsen the condition.

There are two main types of surgeries.

Open Hernia Surgery: The surgeon makes a cut near the hernia. Pushes the tissue back in place. And sewing the weak area, sometimes reinforced with mesh.

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: This is a minimally invasive method. The surgeon makes small incisions using special tools with a camera. This results in less pain, better healing, and quicker recovery.

Dr. Shashank Shah is known for his expertise in laparoscopic hernia surgeries. We use some of the most advanced tools and technologies. It ensures minimal pain. Most people go home on the same day. And patients return to their normal activities much faster.

How to prevent Hernias

While you can’t prevent all hernias, there are ways to lower your risk.

Here’s what you can do:

• Maintain a healthy weight so there is less pressure on the muscles
• Lift heavy objects properly (using your legs, not your back).
• Eat a fibre-rich diet and drink a lot of water to avoid constipation.
• Avoid smoking, which can cause chronic coughing.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen core muscles.

Living with a Hernia

In case you do not need immediate hernia surgery, here are some tips for managing. However, consult with your doctors. Many times, it gets serious and you might not even be aware of it … until it’s too late.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Use ice packs for pain relief.
• Consult your doctor about safe exercises.

Remember, hernias are common. They are usually not dangerous, but they require attention as they do not resolve on their own.

If you suspect a hernia, consult a doctor now, get the diagnosis and see what’s the best treatment for you.

If you need surgery, then don’t worry. It’s a routine procedure with a quick recovery for most people.

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best hernia surgeons in India. He even holds the world record for performing 45 hernia surgeries in 10 hours.

Book your consultation with Dr.Shashank Shah at the following locations in Mumbai & Pune

When Sarah came to us, she was really worried and had no clue what was happening to her. Sarah, 32, was doing well at her job, enjoyed her yoga classes, and loved meeting friends.

Sarah’s Symptoms Begin

One day at work, she noticed her right eyelid drooping slightly. She dismissed it, thinking it was just fatigue from late nights. Over the next few weeks, Sarah started experiencing double vision.

Tasks like reading emails or driving became tough. Assuming it was eye strain, she visited her optometrist, who found nothing wrong and suggested seeing a neurologist.

Before she could book an appointment, more symptoms emerged. Chewing and swallowing food became difficult as her jaw tired quickly.

After yoga, she felt unusually weak, especially in her arms and legs. One morning, Sarah woke up feeling extremely weak. She could barely lift her arms to brush her hair, and her speech was slurred.

Panicked, she called her best friend, who took her to a family doctor. The doctor noticed symptoms of myasthenia gravis and referred her to Dr. Shashank Shah.

Diagnosis with Dr. Shashank Shah

Dr. Shashank Shah is a renowned specialist with extensive experience in treating complex conditions like myasthenia gravis.

Sarah underwent several tests, including blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and a CT scan of her chest. Dr. Shah confirmed she had myasthenia gravis (MG) and recommended surgery.

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness that varies in severity.

How It Works:

Autoimmune Response: The immune system produces antibodies that attack acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness.

Thymus Gland Abnormalities: The thymus gland may be enlarged or contain benign tumors in people with MG.

Genetic Factors: While not directly inherited, a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases can increase the risk.

Environmental Triggers: Infections and other factors may trigger MG in genetically predisposed individuals.

Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis

Muscle Weakness: Worsens with activity and improves with rest, affecting voluntary muscles.

Ptosis and Diplopia: Drooping eyelids and double vision are often initial symptoms.

Facial and Throat Muscles: Difficulty with facial expressions, chewing, and swallowing.

Limb and Respiratory Muscles: In severe cases, affects breathing and limb movements.

Treatment Options for Myasthenia Gravis

Medications:

Anticholinesterase Agents: Improve neuromuscular transmission.

Immunosuppressants: Reduce harmful antibody production.

Surgical:

Thymectomy: Removal of the thymus gland in certain cases.

Other Therapies:

Plasmapheresis and IVIG: For severe cases to remove or neutralize antibodies.

Why Timely Medical Advice is Crucial

It’s important to understand symptoms and seek timely medical advice. If you experience similar symptoms, consult a healthcare professional to explore the best course of action.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those with myasthenia gravis.

About Dr. Shashank Shah

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best weight loss and bariatric surgeons in India. He has performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures and is highly skilled in treating complex conditions like myasthenia gravis.

His expertise and compassionate care have helped many patients regain their health and confidence.

Sarah’s story highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking expert medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar issues, don’t wait.

Early intervention can make a significant difference.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shashank Shah and get the best care for myasthenia gravis, click here.