Obesity

Overview

Obesity is defined by a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above. Carrying excess body-fat places strain on the heart, joints and metabolism, sharply increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital we offer comprehensive weight-management services, combining medical expertise, dietetics, exercise therapy and, where appropriate, bariatric surgery to help patients reach and maintain a healthier weight.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Obesity is rarely due to a single cause; it is usually results from a combination of:

Excess calorie intake

Energy-dense foods, sugary drinks, alcohol

Sedentary lifestyle

Desk-based jobs, low physical activity

Genetics & family history

Certain genes can predispose to weight gain

Hormonal & medical conditions

Hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Medications

Long-term steroids, some antidepressants or antipsychotics

Psychological factors

Emotional eating, stress or sleep deprivation

Socio-economic influences

Limited access to healthy food or safe exercise spaces

Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Many people recongnise obesity only by weight gain, but associated symptoms may include:

• Breathlessness on minimal exertion
• Day-to-day fatigue and low energy
• Excessive sweating or overheating
• Joint pain (knees, hips, lower back)
• Low mood or reduced self-confidence
• Snoring or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea

Even before serious disease develops, these symptoms can limit quality of life and mobility.

Serious Health Risks

Carrying excess weight accelerates atherosclerosis and can double the likelihood of an ischameic stroke

Other long-term complications include:

• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• High blood pressure and coronary heart disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease
• Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints
• Certain cancers (breast, bowel, womb)
• Infertility and pregnancy complications

Early intervention reduces these risks dramatically.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Our weight-management clinic offers:

1. BMI & waist–to–hip ratio measurements
2. Blood tests – lipid profile, HbA1c, thyroid, liver and kidney function
3. Blood-pressure and cardiovascular risk scoring (QRISK3)
4. Sleep-apnoea screening if indicated
5. Dietary and lifestyle review with a specialist dietitian

This holistic assessment guides an individualised treatment plan.

Treatment & Long-Term Management

Lifestyle-centred Approach

• Nutrition coaching – Mediterranean-style, portion-controlled eating
• Exercise prescription – supervised programmes in our rehab gym
• Behavioural therapy – CBT-based support for emotional eating
• Smoking and alcohol reduction for comprehensive risk control

Medical Management

• Weight-loss medications (e.g. GLP-1 receptor agonists) where clinically appropriate
• Tight control of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes alongside weight loss

Bariatric Surgery

• Gastric sleeve or gastric-bypass procedures performed by our partner bariatric team
• Pre-operative and post-operative dietetic and psychological support
• Long-term follow-up to maintain weight loss and monitor nutritional status

Ongoing Rehabilitation

• Physio-led exercise classes to protect joints and build strength
• Education on relapse prevention and sustainable lifestyle habits
• Coordination with our Cardiology, Diabetes and Stroke-prevention services for high-risk patients

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Consultant-led weight-management and bariatric pathways
• On-site diagnostics (bloods, DEXA, sleep studies) for rapid assessment
• Integrated team of dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists and nurses
• Personalised programmes with private en-suite rooms for inpatient care
• Minimal waiting times and a supportive, non-judgemental environment

Take control of your weight and reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital today for an expert, personalised weight-management plan.