Obesity Center

The Obesity Center is a healthcare facility specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of obesity. At obesity centers, experts from various disciplines such as general surgeons, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists, and physiotherapists work together. This multidisciplinary approach increases success in the fight against obesity.

Obesity surgery refers to the surgical methods used in the treatment of obesity. These surgeries help you lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach or altering the digestive system. There are different types of obesity surgeries, such as stomach reduction surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass.

A Life Healthcare Group Obesity Center is a specialized facility focused on obesity treatment. Our experienced team provides personalized treatment plans using the most advanced technologies and methods.

Advantages of A Life Healthcare Group Obesity Center:

• Experienced and Expert Team: Specialists including experienced general surgeons, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists, and physiotherapists.
• Advanced Technology Operating Rooms: Use of advanced surgical techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored treatment protocols designed according to each patient’s unique needs.
• Comprehensive Support and Follow-up Services: Psychological support, nutrition counseling, and physiotherapy services provided throughout the treatment process.
• Modern and Comfortable Environment: Patient comfort and satisfaction are prioritized during the entire treatment journey.

Take a step towards a healthier life at A Life Healthcare Group Obesity Center!

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the body that negatively affects health. Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight by the square of your height. For example, a person who is 1.70 meters tall and weighs 80 kilograms has a BMI of 27.7.

Obesity is recognized by the World Health Organization as a global epidemic. The prevalence of obesity is also increasing in Turkey. According to the Ministry of Health data, 32% of adults in Turkey are obese.

There are many causes of obesity. The most important causes are:

• Genetic factors: People with a family history of obesity have a higher risk of developing obesity.
• Poor eating habits: Excessive consumption of high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods can lead to obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular exercise increases the risk of obesity.
• Psychological factors: Stress, depression, and anxiety can cause overeating and lead to obesity.
• Hormonal disorders: Hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause obesity.
• Certain medications: Some medications can increase appetite or slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea and insomnia can increase the risk of obesity.
• Socioeconomic factors: Low socioeconomic status can lead to unhealthy eating habits and obesity.

Obesity can lead to many health problems:

• Cardiovascular diseases: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke
• Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes
• Respiratory system diseases: Sleep apnea, asthma
• Musculoskeletal disorders: Joint pain, herniated disc
• Cancer: Breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer
• Psychological issues: Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem
• Liver diseases: Fatty liver, cirrhosis
• Gallbladder diseases: Gallstones
• Reproductive health problems: Infertility, menstrual irregularities
• Skin problems: Skin infections, acne
• Sleep disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea

Obesity treatment varies according to a person's BMI, health condition, and preferences. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical intervention.

Nutrition and Diet:
Healthy and balanced eating is fundamental to obesity treatment. A personalized nutrition plan should be created with a dietitian, tailored to the individual's age, gender, activity level, and health status.

Exercise:
Regular exercise helps with weight loss and maintaining health. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week.

Psychological Support:
Obesity can cause psychological problems or be triggered by them. Therefore, psychological support is important in obesity treatment. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help the individual cope with obesity and develop healthy habits.

Medication:
In some cases, medications that suppress appetite or boost metabolism can be used in obesity treatment. However, medication alone is not sufficient and should be combined with lifestyle changes.

Surgical Treatment (Bariatric Surgery):
Bariatric surgery may be an option for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 who have obesity-related health problems. Types of bariatric surgery include gastric sleeve surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass.

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery: The size of the stomach is surgically reduced so the patient eats less and feels full faster.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: A portion of the stomach is removed and the remaining part is shaped like a tube. This reduces stomach volume and decreases the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

• Gastric Bypass: Part of the stomach is bypassed and connected directly to the small intestine, reducing food intake and nutrient absorption.

There are many causes of obesity, and it usually occurs as a result of multiple factors coming together. These include genetic predisposition, unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal disorders, certain medications, sleep disorders, and psychological factors.

After bariatric surgery, you will need to change your eating habits. Initially, you will start with liquid foods, then move on to pureed foods, and finally transition to solid foods. Your doctor or a dietitian will create a nutrition plan tailored to your needs.

The amount of weight lost after bariatric surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, the person’s metabolism, and their adherence to lifestyle changes. In general, patients can lose about 60–80% of their excess weight.

It is possible to regain weight after bariatric surgery. However, following the prescribed nutrition plan and engaging in regular exercise can help reduce the risk of weight regain.

The cost of bariatric surgery may vary depending on the type of procedure, the surgeon’s experience, the hospital where the surgery is performed, and other factors. During the preoperative consultation, your surgeon will provide you with detailed information about the exact cost of the surgery.

Exercise is an important component of obesity treatment. It helps with weight loss, boosts metabolism, increases muscle mass, protects cardiovascular health, and enhances psychological well-being.

Medications used in obesity treatment help with weight loss by suppressing appetite or boosting metabolism. However, drug therapy alone is not sufficient and should be combined with lifestyle changes.